HELP IS ON THE WAY
Phoenixville, West Whiteland, Coatesville get millions for development projects
WEST CHESTER » Christmas came early for Phoenixville, Coatesville and West Whiteland as three projects to improve transportation, public safety and public works facilities received a $4.25 million boost in state grant funding.
The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, a commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.
“Transportation, public works, and public safety are three of the core services that our local municipalities provide to residents and families,” State Sen.-elect Carolyn Comitta said. “New and enhanced facilities related to the Coatesville Train Station, the West Whiteland Public Works Department, and the Phoenixville Fire Department will help ensure we can meet the needs of our communities for years to come and are better prepared to emerge from this pandemic stronger than ever.”
The Redevelopment Authority of the City of Coatesville will receive $1 million in state funding for the Coatesville Train Station Parking Facility. The 175,000-square-foot multimodal parking facility will support access to the existing rail system and allow for expanded commuter service.
The facility will also feature bus transportation integration, covered waiting shelters, bike racks, ample lighting, wayfinding signage, and nearly 500 parking spaces to support SEPTA, Amtrak, and Link and Kraft Bus transportation services. The Coatesville RDA is now working with the City to construct the facility to support the new train station, a critical part of the city’s strategic economic development vision.
“I was proud to support this project to build a garage for the new train station,” State Rep. Dan Williams said. “The new train station is critical to advancing the city’s plans for redevelopment and revitalization, and it will be necessary so that our commuters—whether they drive, bike or take the bus to the train station — can easily access the train station.”
West Whiteland Township will receive $1.5 million in state funding to support the site work and vertical construction of a new public works facility. The 44,000-square-foot facility will better serve township residents by consolidating the parks, recreation, and public works facilities into one, optimal location that can access all parts of the township safely and quickly via local, state, and interstate roadways.
“This grant is great news for West Whiteland,” said State Rep. Kristine Howard, “It’s great news not only in terms of economic growth, but also in the improved health and safety of township residents that will be made possible by the consolidation of public works resources.”
The borough of Phoenixville will receive $1.75 million in state funding for construction, infrastructure and other related costs of a new fire station. The 24,400-square foot-fire station facility will include approximately 10,600-square-feet of twostory office and support space and a 13,800-squarefoot, six-bay drive-thru apparatus room.
The new Phoenixville Fire Station, slated for 150 Paradise Street on the west bank of the French Creek, will also include community health, safety, education, and training facilities to meet the needs of the growing community and fire department. It will also allow for a training pad will be developed on the north portion of the parcel, so that trainings can be conducted both inside and out.
“I have been working with Phoenixville Borough on this project since 2018,” State Rep. Melissa Shusterman said. “I am ecstatic to see this project receive this grant money. This money will greatly enhance the safety of residents of Phoenixville and the surrounding area. It will also allow Phoenixville Fire Company to be a training hub for Chester County and Montgomery County”
“This is great news for the Borough of Phoenixville and the Phoenixville Fire Department,” State Rep. Danielle Friel-Otten said. “The new fire station will be an asset to the Borough and the surrounding area, providing room to grow and allowing for improvements to accessibility and efficiency. I applaud the Borough for taking the initiative to apply for this RACP grant, and I am grateful that we’ve been able to bring these funds to the community.”