$4M in state grants aids three local projects
About $4 million in state grants for three projects in Montgomery County was announced by the office of state Sen. Katie Muth, D-44th Dist.
The largest grant, $2 million, will go toward the construction of a new emergency services center in Upper Providence Township.
Another $1 million will be used toward the restoration of the historic Perkiomen Bridge Hotel in Collegeville and another $1 million has been awarded to Laurel House, Montgomery County’s domestic violence shelter.
The grants were issued by the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. Upper Providence Emergency Services The $2 million grant will support the construction of a fire and emergency services facility and training building on land owned by Upper Providence Township. The building will serve as the headquarters and primary response location for all fire and EMS services, including the township’s emergency operations center.
The announcement for the grant was pretty timely.
According to a post on the Township of Upper Providence Department of Fire & Emergency Services Facebook page, the township supervisors approved the construction of the new center at the Dec. 7 public meeting.
The new facility will be located at the township campus on Black Road Road. Construction is expected to begin in 2021 and be completed by spring of 2022.
“We look forward to continuing the expansion of our relationship and cooperation with all fire and EMS agencies that serve Upper Providence Township as we work toward a sustainable, regional approach to fire and EMS in our community,” the post read.
The design team is comprised of D’Huy Engineering, GKO Architects, Redstone Architects,
and Gilmore & Associates.
The announcement comes two years after the township adopted a fiveyear plan for the future of the township’s fire and emergency medical services.
“While it is always vital to support our emergency responders the construction of this facility is especially critical to the surrounding townships in ensuring adequate fire and emergency services within the area,” Muth said in a press release announcing the grants.
“As our region grows, we must ensure that our emergency responders have access to up-to-date resources in order to respond and assist those in need. The construction of this new facility will go a long way to support our first responders who put their lives on the line to protect us during crisis situations.”
“After a year of endless unknowns and heartbreaking challenges experienced by so many Pennsylvanians, I am very grateful for these grant awards that will improve our communities in the coming year. — State Sen. Katie Muth
Perkiomen Bridge Hotel
Built in 1683, the Perkiomen Bridge Hotel was enlarged in 1701 as a stop on the Philadelphia-to-Reading carriage line.
But it has suffered in modern times, failing in several incarnations, most recently from a sports bar to a high-end eatery, and preservationists have worried for decades that it could be torn down.
Ten years ago, the building was put up for absolute auction with a $1.25 million asking price, but failed to elicit any bids higher than $150,000.
It is listed as a target for revitalization in the College Borough Revitalization Plan adopted in 2010.
The Perkiomen Bridge Hotel is listed on the Historic Registry and will be restored in accordance with all Department of Interior guidelines for historic structures, according to the press release from Muth’s office.
“The Perkiomen Bridge Hotel is not only a regional landmark, it is a centerpiece of Collegeville Borough and reported to be the oldest standing hotel in the United States,” Muth said.
“Each historic property that falls into disrepair or is demolished removes a piece of our shared past and takes away from what makes our region such a special place to call home. The very history of our nation began in Southeast Pennsylvania and I am extremely grateful that we are able to preserve the Perkiomen Bridge Hotel for future generations,” she said.
Laurel House
Another project receiving a $1 million grant is Laurel House, which this year is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
According to its website, “Laurel House is a comprehensive domestic violence agency serving individuals, families, and communities throughout Montgomery County” and was named after laurel, Pennsylvania’s state flower.
In addition to its first purpose, as a shelter for domestic violence victims, “Laurel House also offers: a 24-hour hotline, transitional housing, a children’s program, individual and group counseling, medical advocacy, legal representation and advocacy, crisis response, law enforcement collaboration, as well as community education and prevention efforts.”
“I am especially pleased to announce that $1 million in funding will be directed to support the Laurel House, Montgomery County’s only domestic violence shelter,” Muth said in the release.
“I have worked with the Laurel House on many projects and know that this funding will be vital to support their ongoing mission to provide a safe place for those in need,” she said.
Funding directed to the Laurel House will be used for ADA improvements, 13 sleeping rooms, and accommodations for those with special needs.
Upon completion, the renovation will provide space to offer support services for community clients such as case management, large community kitchen, separate client meeting rooms, library, and child’s play area.
The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program isadministered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.
“After a year of endless unknowns and heartbreaking challenges experienced by so many Pennsylvanians, I am very grateful for these grant awards that will improve our communities in the coming year,” said Muth. “I am thankful that Gov. Wolf selected my identified priorities and funded projects that support first responders, veterans, and domestic violence resources.”