HARRISBURG — Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37) announced the approval of more than $3 million in state funding for projects and programs supporting economic development, education, and health initiatives throughout the 37th Senatorial District.
“Pittsburgh is a region with tremendous potential, and this funding will help us continue building on that momentum,” said Robinson. “Supporting our airport, our students, literacy programs, and services for veterans is an investment in the future of Allegheny County, and I am proud to support these projects.”
Pittsburgh International Airport will receive $2.5 million to support the airport’s Aer Lingus expansion, which will help strengthen the region’s international air service and economic connections.
“Air service development is economic development for our region. Thank you to Sen. Robinson and all our state leaders for their support of the Aer Lingus nonstop flight connecting Pittsburgh and Dublin, a key European gateway,” said Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis. “The return on investment for this grant is nearly ten-fold to the region in economic impact, and state support was key to securing the service in a highly competitive environment.”
Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences (PGSS) will receive $300,000 for its summer education program at Carnegie Mellon University, providing students with opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, known as STEM.
“PGSS greatly appreciates Sen. Robinson’s strong support for this important funding. This grant will continue to provide Pennsylvania students with exceptional STEM learning opportunities while strengthening the commonwealth’s leadership in STEM education, innovation, and curriculum development. The senator is investing in Pennsylvania’s future,” said PGSS Campaign, Inc. Executive Director Heidi G. Malin.
Aurelius will receive $250,000 to support its traumatic brain injury treatment, with a focus on serving veterans. The non-profit’s mission is to help heal PTSD and other psychological symptoms in veterans and first responders. They plan to use the funding to support a mobile clinic to bring their services directly to those who need it most.
“We are incredibly grateful for Senator Robinson’s efforts to secure funding for a mobile Aurelius clinic. We believe his combat service in the War on Terror gives him unique insight into the lasting wounds of war and the importance of holistic approaches to help heal chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the past 20 months, Special Operations Forces (SOF) service members and veterans from all branches have come to Aurelius from 30 U.S. states and two countries, placing their trust in us—and often bringing families who have carried these burdens alongside them. Our holistic model combines hyperbaric oxygen therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and human performance training to care for the whole person, with the goal of helping each individual reclaim health, purpose, and connection,” said Anson Flake and Bob Ortenzio, Co-founders of Aurelius Brain Health and Human Performance.
Literacy Pittsburgh will receive $75,000 to support literacy education programs that help individuals develop essential reading and language skills.
“Literacy Pittsburgh is grateful for Sen. Robinson’s support of adult basic skills education,” said Carey Harris, chief executive officer, Literacy Pittsburgh. “His investment helps to change lives, helping our neighbors develop the skills needed to build their families and their futures in our region.”
The funding was approved in the 2026-27 state budget, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed into law in July of this year.