Rep. Summer Lee Presents Over $1 Million Federal Investment to Combat Blight and Revitalize North Braddock

Photos (Dropbox)

PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 17, 2026 - Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12)joined local leaders in North Braddock to present more than $1 million in federal Community Project Funding (CPF) to support blight remediation and neighborhood revitalization efforts across the borough.

The funding was secured through Congresswoman Lee's Community Project Funding requests, which allow Members of Congress to advocate directly for community-driven priorities. Congresswoman Lee worked closely with local partners to advance this project through the federal appropriations process, prioritizing investments that address blight, strengthen public safety, and support long-term neighborhood revitalization in Western Pennsylvania, ensuring the Mon Valley received the resources it deserves.

"I'm proud to deliver over $1 million in federal funding to the Mon Valley. This project is about transforming what people see and experience in their neighborhoods every single day, removing blight, making way for safe and vibrant community spaces, and creating good-paying jobs for local workers in the process. This investment will allow our community to witness progress in real time, remind North Braddock and the entire Mon Valley that you matter, your future matters, and your federal government has not forgotten you," said Rep Lee.

"Congresswoman Lee, thank you for seeing us, believing in us, and investing in us. You have asked again and again, "Where can I help?" and today you have answered that question in a practical and powerful way-by putting tools in our hands and opportunity in our community," said Dr. Lisa Franklin-Robinson, President North Braddock Borough Council

The $1,015,000 investment will allow the Borough of North Braddock to establish an internal demolition unit as part of the second phase of its Community Revitalization and Employment Initiative. Funding will support the purchase of heavy equipment and expand the borough's capacity to address more than 700 abandoned properties, eliminate hazardous structures, and improve public health, safety, and economic opportunity for residents.

Blight remediation has long been a priority for local leaders, who say abandoned properties pose safety risks, strain municipal resources, and hinder economic development. Establishing a borough-run demolition unit will allow North Braddock to respond more quickly and efficiently to unsafe structures while creating local jobs.

Lee was joined at the event by County Executive Sara Innamorato, Boro Council President Lisa Franklin-Robinson, State Rep. Nick Pisciottano, Allegheny County Councilperson Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis, County Treasurer Erica Rocchi Brusselars, other state and local leaders, and community members.

Since taking office, Congresswoman Lee has delivered more than $2.7 billion in federal funding to PA-12, including major investments in infrastructure, affordable transit, clean energy manufacturing, workforce development, and community spaces. Through her Community Project Funding efforts, Lee has secured direct investments for community-based organizations, including a $1 million CPF award to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, $450,000 to the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh, over $1.5 million in federal support for the Tree of Life rebuilding and healing initiatives, and $1 million in Community Project Funding for historic renovations at the Carnegie Library of Homestead. These projects are part of more than $24.9 million in Community Project Funding secured during her time in Congress. Congresswoman Lee's office has consistently directed federal dollars to historically overlooked communities to ensure equitable access to opportunities and long-term regional growth and stability.

To see photos from the event, click here.

Congresswoman Summer Lee serves on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Committee on Education and Workforce. Since taking office in January 2023, shehas delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling over $2.4 Billionbrought back to Western PA, including over $580 million for infrastructure, over $110 million for affordable transit, over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania, and over $55 million on clean energy efforts in and around schools to help keep our kids and communities safe. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania's infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs.  Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 3,000 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports.