Murtha Foundation to Create Center

The University of Pittsburgh Johnstown will be home to the John P. Murtha Center for Public Service in honor of the late congressman, who died February 8th. Fundraising is beginning for a 25- to 35,000 sq. ft. structure that will house classrooms and public meeting rooms, as well as Murtha's awards, mementoes and papers.

Former Communications Director Matthew Mazonkey says Cong. Murtha was part of almost everything that happened in Western Pennsylvania during his 36 years of service, so the exhibits will be relevant to the whole region's history.

The foundation will continue to support the dozens of non-profits that Murtha worked with over the years, including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YMCA, and women's health centers.

Mazonkey says House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will be an honorary host at a benefit dinner in Washington, D.C. on May 26th, and there will be a fundraiser in Johnstown at a later date.