(PATTON TOWNSHIP, PA) – The Abington Equine Hospital will receive a $370,000 state grant to support the construction of its new facility in Patton Township, PA Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman (R-34), House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-171) and state Rep. Rich Irvin (R-81) announced Thursday.
“Adding a state-of-the-art surgical facility will provide next-level care that our region’s equine owners deserve,” Senator Corman said. “At a time when the need for equine care continues to grow locally, this grant will bring high-quality veterinary surgical services close to home, making our community an even more attractive option for horse owners while providing a regional economic boost.”
The grant was announced during a news conference.
About 1,065 horses reside in the State College area. Horses in central Pennsylvania must be transported nearly two to three hours in order to receive care at an equine surgical facility. In March 2019, more than $35,500 in revenues were lost because the hospital referred surgical cases to other facilities.
“Projects like the building of this new equine hospital show that we can work together, House and Senate, with the administration, to do good things for our communities,” Benninghoff said. “Strong communities are supported by thriving businesses and a matching of needs with available resources. With this grant money, Abington Equine Hospital will be able to expand their Port Matilda services to open a full equine surgical hospital that will provide several needed, specialized equine medical services. I was glad to have our office work with Sen. Corman and the Department of Community and Economic Development to secure this grant for our area and the growth of this tremendously impressive animal hospital.”
The state funding will help with site development for a full equine surgical hospital facility at the location. Once open, the hospital facility will include surgical suites, treatment rooms, an area for lameness examinations, and a reproductive management unit. The total project cost is $2.4 million.
“The equine industry is an economic driver here in Centre County,” Rep. Irvin said. “It’s a growing industry and by taking this step we are working to improve on that growth here in central Pennsylvania.”
The grant is funded through the Keystone Communities program which is designed to encourage the creation of partnerships between the public and private sectors that jointly support local initiatives such as the growth and stability of neighborhoods and communities; social and economic diversity; and a strong and secure quality of life. The program allows communities to tailor the assistance to meet the needs of its specific revitalization effort.
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