Township gets $1.325M grant for future public works building

LOWER GWYNEDD >> The Lower Gwynedd Township Board of Supervisors announced that the township has been awarded $1.325 million from the Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), which is a grant program administered by the Office of the Budget, for a future Public Works Building.

The board of supervisors acknowledged the efforts of state Sen. Maria Collett, D-12th, and state Rep. Liz Hanbidge, D-61st, for their advocacy on behalf of the township, crediting both as instrumental in securing the funding, a township press release stated.

“I’m thrilled to announce state funding for capital projects supporting our public works employees, expanding educational opportunities, and so much more,” said Collett. “Each of these projects responds to a big need and will make our district an even safer and more attractive place to live, work, and play.”

Hanbidge added that “these are transformative investments in education, public safety, and community.”

Danielle Duckett, chair of the Lower Gwynedd Board of Supervisors, said: “We are so honored to receive this much needed grant funding for Lower Gwynedd. With vehicles and materials currently scattered throughout the township, our Public Works Department is in dire need of a single facility to meet our current demands and future growth. One of my priorities as chair is to make sure we appropriately plan for our township’s future. This award enables us to plan for the construction of a public works facility that will finally address the previously overlooked needs of this essential township department.”

While this project is still in its infancy, the board is looking to construct a new facility that will include accommodations necessary for the public works operations and staff. The board plans to allocate funding in the 2023 township budget to perform an architectural and engineering analysis of a public works building to determine the necessary size, design, site improvements, and identify a suitable location for the future building.