FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 14, 2025        

Senator Kim Ward Announces $135,000 Local Share Account Grant

for the Westmoreland County District Attorney Community Safety Initiative

Local Share Account Grants help improve the quality of life of the citizens in the community.
 

WESTMORELAND – Senator Kim Ward (R-39) today announced a $135,000 grant awarded to the Westmoreland County District Attorney Community Safety Initiative as part of the statewide Local Share Account (LSA) through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to purchase new technology and equipment for Westmoreland county’s magisterial courts and local police departments.

“As our Westmorland County communities continue to grow, it is important that we put the appropriate safety measures in place to complement the progress we are making in southwestern Pennsylvania,” said Sen. Kim Ward. “Over the last year and a half, we have worked closely with Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli and community partners to upgrade technology and infrastructure for communities throughout Westmoreland County to make our communities safer.”

The funds will be used to purchase a total of 58 iPads for the magisterial counts and municipal police departments, which will help streamline the arraignment process for local law enforcement officers and magisterial courts, which previously did not have the basic resources needed to arraign defendants in an efficient and effective manner. Additionally, the grant will provide municipal police departments with a Lecia GPS Mapping System for the purposes of accident reconstruction, which will expedite the process, limit disruption to the community, and relieve stress from the duties of the Pennsylvania State Police.

“This is a testament to the good work happening in Westmoreland County when we collaborate with government and put community safety initiatives into motion,” said Westmoreland District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli. “I am incredibly pleased that we can utilize this money to make our court system and local law enforcement more efficient and effective in the professional work that they do every day. Ultimately, our highest obligation is public safety, and we will continue to protect our communities under this initiative.”

The application by the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office was submitted as part of the Office of Community Safety Initiatives plan for communities across Westmoreland County.

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