A $1 million grant for a renovation project at the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville will have far-reaching benefits, according to State Representative Kathy Rapp.

Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Crawford/Forest) announced Thursday that a $1 million grant from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program was awarded to the Titusville Redevelopment Authority to renovate, upgrade and configure the Haskell Library building at the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville, with funds to be matched by the University of Pittsburgh.

“Completing these extremely critical upgrades to Haskell Library is absolutely essential as the university moves forward to offer even more outstanding career and technical education training opportunities that will equip even more graduates to obtain high-demand, well-paying jobs with quality benefits,” said Rapp. “This funding is a direct result of community leaders, dedicated staff and faculty from both Titusville and Pittsburgh, regional state lawmakers, House Republican Leadership and members of the Congressional delegation from Northwest Pennsylvania working to together keep the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville operating in our rural area as a vital 21st century professional training institution.”

Renovations to the 35,000-square-foot library include upgrading all electrical, HVAC, plumbing and fire prevention technology, installation of a new cafeteria, ceramic studio, classrooms, equipment storage spaces, lobby gallery and 17 offices. The integration of programs will allow students to combine program offerings specific to their employment goals.

“Upgrading Haskell Library is a win-win on so many levels,” said Rapp. “Most notably, it will allow the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville to reach the entire six-county northwestern Pa. region and beyond by fulfilling more specialized education and training needs than any other nearby institution ever could. With more highly skilled employees, our region’s job creators will be strengthened and the potential to attract more family-sustaining manufacturing jobs will be dramatically increased.”