State agencies announce $2.5M in area grants

As the legislative session winds up in Harrisburg, and state representatives and senators return to their districts, many to run for re-election, they are also bringing announcements about grants and state aid packages.

In just 48 hours time, no fewer than 10 different grants and awards from several state agencies were announced for Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties in press releases from area representatives and senators.

The region’s total take is $2,500,193 according to an analysis by Digital First Media.

Here’s a look at what has been announced:

Berks County

• A $93,500 grant for improvements to water supply and service to the concession stand at Union Township’s recreation area and an irrigation system for area’s recreational fields. Funding source: Commonwealth Financing Authority. Politicians making announcement: state Rep. David Maloney, R-130th Dist. and state Sen. John Rafferty, R-44th Dist.

“Union Township’s project will enhance a recreational area for the benefit of the community,” Maloney said. “I want to thank the CFA board members for recognizing the value of these improvements.”

• $125,000 to Robeson Township Municipal authority for sewage pumping station No. 1 and No. 2 improvements. Funding source: Commonwealth Financing Authority through the Small Water and Sewer Grant Program.

Chester County

• $154,836 for the Borough of Phoenixville for security cameras and upgrades at its water treatment plant. Funding source: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection through the Small Water and Sewer Grant Program. Politician making announcement: state Sen. Andrew Dinniman, D- 19th Dist.

“Access to clean water and safe water treatment systems is vital to the health and quality of life in our communities. These funds will help local municipalities provide necessary water and sewer infrastructure upgrades,” Dinniman said. “The improvements mean more efficient, more reliable, and more secure water systems for local residents and families.”

• $50,000 for the Borough of Phoenixville for playground improvements at Reeves Park. Funding source: Financed under the Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund, through the Commonwealth Finance Authority. Politician making announcement: state Sen. Andrew Dinniman, D19th Dist.

“These grants will help build on our Chester County tradition of preserving open space and providing top-notch parks and outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and families,” Dinniman said.

• $100,000 for Woodridge wastewater lagoon repair in South Coventry. Funding source: Commonwealth Financing Authority through the Small Water and Sewer Grant Program. Politician making the announcement: state Sen. John Rafferty, R44th Dist.

DEP has identified a number of serious problems with the system which include leaks in the lagoon treatment system, deteriorating piping and changing standards for the system, according to Rafferty. The project will drain and clean the treatment lagoon, replace the piping and valves between the two lagoons, replace deteriorating valves in the influent and disposal lines and seal both lagoons. The total project cost is $216,695.

Montgomery County

• $61,948 to Lower Frederick Township for manhole lining project. Funding source: Commonwealth Financing Authority through the Small Water and Sewer Grant Program.

• $200,000 to Regal Oaks II sewer extension in Upper Pottsgrove Township. Funding source: Commonwealth Financing Authority through the Small Water and Sewer Grant Program. Politicians making the announcement: state Sen. Bob Mensch, R-24th Dist. and state Rep. Marcy Toepel, R-147th Dist.

“This project will make a positive impact on commercial and residential users,” said Mensch. “I applaud Upper Pottsgrove Township for taking the necessary steps to move this project forward and I am pleased that we are able to provide state funds for this essential community plan.”

“Sewer projects are costly, and the burden to pay for them typically falls on customers in the form of system improvement charges that appear on their bills,” Toepel said. “These grants work to offset project costs and minimize any impact on residents of the 147th District.”

• $419,909 for Lower Pottsgrove’s North Valley Road sewer replacement project. Funding source: Commonwealth Financing Authority through the Small Water and Sewer Grant Program. Politicians making the announcement: state Rep. Tom Quigley, R146th Dist. and state Sen. John Rafferty, R-44th Dist.

“I worked to secure this grant because I knew it would reduce the responsibility customers would otherwise face through system improvement charges on their bills,” Quigley said. “The grant will almost cover the total project cost of $494,011.”

• $195,000 for Upper Providence Schuylkill River Trail east construction. Funding source: Financed under the Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund, through the Commonwealth Finance Authority. Politician making the announcement: state Sen. John Rafferty, R44th Dist.

The township, in cooperation with Montgomery County, proposes to construct a pedestrian trail along the Schuylkill River to link the Upper Schuylkill Valley Park with the Schuylkill Canal Towpath Trail, according to Rafferty. The project will begin at the Black Rock Dam and extend to the Upper Schuylkill Valley Park parking area for a total length of approximately 8,000 linear feet. The project is an important link in creating a loop trail with the Schuylkill River Trail West. The total project cost is $650,000.

• $100,000 to Royersford borough’s Riverfront Park and trail phase IV projects. Funding source: Financed under the Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund, through the Commonwealth Finance Authority. Politicians making the announcement: state Rep. Tom Quigley, R146th Dist. and state Sen. John Rafferty, R-44th Dist.

“The project, impacting a mile-long trail beginning at Main Street and First Avenue and ending near an existing trestle bridge, will consist of the installation of 750 linear feet of a 10-foot wide ADA-compliant trail of a paved, slip-resistant surface. Trail amenities will include a pavilion with four picnic tables, two trash receptacles and three benches along the trail, as well as interpretive signs. The total project cost is $572,300” according to Quigley.

• $1 million in additional state funds for Pottstown School District. Funding source: Pennsylvania General Fund budget. Politician making announcement: state Sen. Bob Mensch, R-24th Dist. at Thursday press conference.