Officials celebrated the start of construction of the Etna Center for Community on July 11.

Congressman Chris Deluzio, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, state Sen. Lindsey Williams and state Rep. Lindsay Powell joined borough officials and the Etna Community Organization for the ceremony.

Once complete, the Etna Center for Community, at 341-343 Butler St., will include a public library on the ground floor, flexible community spaces, a shared courtyard and apartments on the upper floors.

“Few spaces can meet the educational, social and economic needs of a community like a library and community center,” said Megan Tuñón, executive director of the Etna Community Organization. “What you see behind me might look a little bit like a hot mess right now, but we’ve assembled an amazing team of designers, engineers and contractors to build a state-of-the-art facility that will bring opportunities and resources that Etna residents truly deserve.”

Deluzio helped secure $3 million in federal funding for the construction.

“It’s great to see so many Etna leaders and community members here today as this is a team effort,” he said. “You guys really did all the work to put us in a position to deliver some help.”

Williams, a longtime supporter of the project, helped secure more than $2.7 million in state funds for the library’s development, including a $1.5 million grant through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.

“You’re a community that listens to the needs of its residents and acts to provide support to its neighbors,” she said. “That’s how projects like this become a reality.”

Following the ceremony, attendees were taken on a tour to view completed work from the project’s first phases, including abatement and demolition.

Construction is expected to be completed in winter 2025-26. The Etna Community Organization plans to open it to the public in spring 2026.

“I’m so appreciative of everyone who joined us today,” said Bridge Barrett, president of the Etna Community Organization board. “Your presence here today shows our support from the local level — from our borough council, mayor and borough manager — all the way up to the state and federal governments. Without all of you, this wouldn’t be possible.”

More information about the project is available online at etnacommunity.org/etna-center-for-community.

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