City officials in Johnstown are pressing ahead with planned projects despite uncertainties surrounding federal funding. Among these initiatives is the potential overhaul or replacement of the city’s century-old public safety building, which houses the police and fire departments.
City Manager Art Martynuska said the city currently has about $5 million available for the project. However, estimates suggest it would take between $11 million and $12 million to revitalize the existing building, and $19 million to $20 million to construct a new one.
The decision on whether to renovate or rebuild has not yet been made, but Martynuska hopes to reach a conclusion within the next year. He says the decision will be based on available funding, and getting funding, especially federal, is uncertain at this time.
“We’re concerned obviously. There’s a lot of stuff that’s in flux in D.C. right now, We’re moving forward. We’re still in the planning stages, waiting for some finalized plans on different projects but we’re still moving forward.”
Martynuska added that the city will be seeking grants at both the state and federal levels while awaiting a clearer picture of the federal government’s plans.