Allegheny Regional Asset District

Substantial Investment in the Region’s Quality of Life

By the end of 2009, the local 1% sales tax, paid by residents of and visitors to Allegheny County, resulted in a cumulative $2.2 billion investment in the region’s public libraries and parks, museums, cultural organizations, major regional facilities, and local municipal services such as police and roads.

The impact of the $2.2 billion investment in the region is substantial.

See a full listing of RAD grants since 1995.

Sustained and Enhanced Assets

District grants have clearly met Act 77’s goals of sustaining and enhancing the regional assets.

Libraries have received 31% of the grant funding, parks 28%, stadiums and arenas 20%, regional facilities (PIttsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, National Aviary) 11%, and arts and culture 9%.  Overall, nearly 60% of District funds have gone to places that are free to the public.

The hallmark of district grants is unrestricted operating funds.  RAD operating grants to assets can be used for all of the basics, like staff, utilities and maintenance.  Since 1995, the District has also awarded $59.1 million in capital grants for projects like accessibility, critical infrastructure and equipment. RAD funds also have made possible special collaborations among assets that have contributed to budget savings and audience development.

The funding program is diverse and has included 136 different assets located throughout the county.  Demographic reports show that users of regional assets come from all over the county and region.

Libraries

By many standards - programs, materials, leveraged financing, attendance, circulation - libraries are in significantly better condition today than in 1994.  Because of cooperation between RAD, the Allegheny County Library Association, and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, a patron, remarkably, needs only one library card to use in any library in Allegheny County.  Geographical and virtual boundaries are now non-existent when it comes to library services. Without RAD, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh would have a funding gap of $67 million since 1995 (assuming that local and county governments would have at least maintained their pre-1995 funding levels). The Allegheny County Library Association funding gap is $102.6 million.

• By the end of 2009, libraries had received nearly $330 million in District funds.
• $102.6 million has been allocated for suburban libraries – funding that simply did not exist prior to 1995.
• Carnegie Library’s $14 million RAD backed bond issue jump-started a now $55 million capital improvement plan. The RAD Board extended the District’s commitment to CLP to make possible the bond issue.
• Capital improvements throughout the county include accessibility projects like elevators, automated entrance doors and ramps, HVAC system improvements, roof repairs, exterior renovations and building expansions.
• RAD support has made possible the EIN, the electronic information network that links all member libraries and Bookmobiles, and provides shared databases, catalogues and other electronic communication on-line.  Some 2,200 personal computers have been linked at over 87 sites. 
• Libraries have eliminated non-resident card fees.
• A new regional facility (Northern Tier) opened in Pine-Richland. New libraries opened in Scott and Robinson.
• Eight new Branch/Satellite libraries have been established.

Parks

District funds support 14,461acres that include a mixture of natural settings, picnic areas, recreational facilities and fields.  Four of the City of Pittsburgh’s parks qualify as regional parks under the District Act.  Allegheny County operates nine regional parks, and the City of McKeesport operates Renziehausen Park.  Upper St. Clair Twp operates the Boyce-Mayview Regional Park, and Avonworth Municipal Authority operates ACORD Park.  The District also funds trails through the Allegheny Land Trust which represents eight incorporated nonprofit organizations and several municipalities that sponsor individual trails.  The trails provide no-cost scenic recreational opportunities through the County.

By the end of 2009, parks and trails had received more than $302 million in funds.

Capital improvement projects include: sidewalks, wall and step repairs, playground safety improvements, accessible bathrooms and park shelters, improved bathrooms throughout the park system, lake dredging, paving, shelter rood replacement, electrical distribution system upgrades, landscaping renovations, and tennis court rehabilitation.

 

Regional Facilities

With RAD as a stable funding base, the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, the National Aviary and Phipps Conservatory have been able to privatize and grow.

• By the end of 2009 regional facilities had received nearly $120 million in funds, or 11% of total grants.
• Attendance is up significantly from1994-2008: 80% at the Pittsburgh Zoo; 125% at Phipps Conservatory; 38% at the National Aviary.
• Earned income has increased significantly from 1994-2008: Pittsburgh Zoo – 236%; Phipps Conservatory – 463%; National Aviary – 328%.
• Capital improvements include HVAC, fire and safety improvements at the Aviary; parking enlargement, animal care facilities, escalator repairs, renovation to the plaza and lighting improvements at Pittsburgh Zoo; back-up heating and display room ventilation at Phipps Conservatory.

Stadiums and Arena

Grants have been used to defray costs for improvements to the Mellon (Civic) Arena that otherwise would have been the responsibility of Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh.  Grants also support debt service on a $176 million bond issue that provides local public funds for the construction of PNC Park and Heinz Field.  Since 1995, stadiums and arenas have receive 20% of RAD grants, or about $212 million.  Public benefits from District involvement include:

Establishment of a fixed cost for public involvement that is geared toward capital costs.  This strategy removes taxpayers from any obligations to pay for the operating costs of the stadiums (costs that fluctuate). Shifted the public finance burden to a broader market of people who attend and enjoys sporting and other events.   Prior to 1995, public financing of Three Rivers Stadium was shouldered exclusively by City of Pittsburgh taxpayers.  Leveraged funds from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (one-third of the total project cost). Helped preserve a long-term commitment of the valuable sports franchises.

 

Arts & Culture

On a per capita basis, the District is one of the most important local public funders of arts and culture in the country. By the end of 2009, cultural and arts organizations had received $98 million in funds. District grants increased from $3.4 million in 1995, to $8.7 million in 2008, a 155% increase. Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Military Museum became an independent, non-profit organization in 2000. Capital improvements include: accessibility projects, fire safety system improvements, building repairs, stage lighting systems, computer systems, sound systems, film editing systems, construction of Freedom Corner Monument; new exhibit space at Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania; seat replacement at the Pittsburgh Filmmakers Regent Square Theater; office equipment; a building security system; recording studio equipment; acoustic shells; glass-making equipment; translation system; computer box office system; roof repair and upgrading of exhibits.

Administration

The District has maximized grants by minimizing administrative costs which total  about 0.7% of tax revenues, far less than the one-percent allowed by law.

Accountability is stressed through independent audits, public access to meetings and records, and staff and Board site visits totaling nearly 1,400 in the past 10 years.