Millions in state grants awarded in 2 House districts
Grants were awarded this week for numerous projects around Delaware County, including:
• $800,000 to the Delaware County Industrial Development Authority for restoration of the Wesley House Homeless Shelter in Chester.
• $500,000 to the Delaware County Industrial Development Authority for renovations of the Family Management Center in Chester.
• $450,000 to the Delaware County Industrial Development Authority for the development of a community center in Chester.
• $425,000 to Chester for pedestrian safety improvements along West 2nd Street.
The funding comes from the state’s Multimodal Transportation Fund and Statewide Local Share Account Program. The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to residents of Pennsylvania.
The funds distributed through the Statewide Local Share Account come from gaming revenues. State law provides for the distribution of gaming revenues from Pennsylvania casinos to support projects in host and contiguous counties that benefit the public interest.
“These projects will help the people of Chester directly,” state Rep. Carol Kazeem said in announcing the grants for her area. “It is encouraging to see this large amount of state dollars going to services that will help all kinds of people in the 159th Legislative District.”
More grants included:
• $489,100: Civic access for public meetings in Nether Providence Township. Accessibility updates to the township building.
• $288,075: Police facilities and equipment upgrades in Chester Township. Complete building upgrades to the police department to reduce workplace hazards, improve ADA accessibility to the station and upgrade the IT system.
• $250,000: Concord Road streetscape in Aston Township: Pedestrian safety improvements along Concord Road.
• $250,000: Walkable Wallingford in Nether Providence Township: Install sidewalks along Providence Road.
• $200,000: Red Hill Road acquisition in Aston Township: Purchase of a 43-acre parcel. The land — comprised of an open meadow, forest and steep slopes — to be preserved as a passive township park. The project will prevent future development in this area.
• $115,000: Chester Creek Trail Phase 4 feasibility study in Chester Township: Phase 4 contains several environmental concerns, including the wastewater treatment plant, an incinerator and a landfill. This study will identify the best alignment to protect trail users and develop cost estimates for the segment’s future construction.
The grants were awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
In announcing the grants, state Rep. Leanne Krueger, D-161st said: “These sizeable investments in our Delco communities are a welcome development from the Shapiro administration and reflect highly on our region’s commitment to its residents. Thank you to all of the municipal and county staff work that went into applying for these opportunities. Their work keeps local taxes down and our quality of life among the best in the commonwealth.”