RAD suspends Discretionary Capital Grants for 2010

The Allegheny Regional Asset District, which bases it revenue primarily on a portion of the county sales tax, is facing cutbacks. The RAD provides operating money for parks, libraries and regional attractions. RAD Executive Director David Donahoe says that is currently their priority. He says they also provide money for the discretionary capital fund, which assists with renovations and improvements. But since there is going to be almost an 8 percent drop in sales tax revenue from last June, the program will have to be suspended. Donahoe says he hopes they will be able to restore the program for the following year. However, he says those who are funded through the operating grant are still able to spend their money on renovations. It's just that the Regional Asset District will not be able to provide additional money for improvement projects.