Briggs announces $2.38 million in state funding for local projects
Rep. Tim Briggs December 7, 2021 | 9:48 AM
HARRISBURG, Dec. 7 – Working to acquire the funding needed for local improvements, state Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, announced $2.38 million in state funding has been approved for three projects:
- $1 million to Redevelopment Authority of the County of Montgomery: Site preparation and infrastructure for the initial 25-acre development phase of Innovation 411 as part of The Discovery Labs in Upper Merion Township. The improvements will facilitate the development of three new life science buildings. Included are site preparation and infrastructure to create pad-ready development sites, erosion and sediment controls, site grading, storm water management, new utilities (water, sanitary and communications), paving, landscaping, site lighting, and traffic improvements.
- $1 million to West Norriton Township: Construction of a new Jeffersonville Golf Club clubhouse building, which will include a restaurant and banquet facility to be utilized by community residents. Floor plans consist of a restaurant, kitchen, banquet area, pro shop and restrooms on the first floor. The basement level will consist of a second kitchen, locker rooms, storage/mechanical area, golf simulators and additional storage.
- $380,000 to Arkema Sunrise Solar and Battery Storage: The energy infrastructure project consists of a 1.3MW cogeneration system, various improvements, laboratory efficiency upgrades, EV charging stations, and the solar and battery storage system. The solar system will be installed on the rooftop of Building 14 on Arkema's campus, which is a standing seam metal roof, making for a faster and easier installation.
“Continued development and improvements are necessary components for a successful and growing community,” Briggs said. “I am pleased to see state funds earmarked for updates in our district, including the utilities and infrastructure needs for the development of The Discovery Labs as well as the new project at Arkema. The state is making vital investments to improve our region’s economic, business and quality-of-life needs.”
The Discovery Labs is being transformed into an epicenter for advanced therapy development and manufacturing. The Discovery Labs Life Science Portfolio acquires, builds and repositions existing Biotech & Pharma facilities with sophisticated electrical, mechanical, laboratory, gas, water and air backup systems for incubators, accelerators, research and development laboratories and current Good Manufacturing Practices on manufacturing campuses. It provides clients with an end-to-end real estate solution, from design to demo and buildout by specialized lab and cGMP construction company.
Briggs encouraged Gov. Tom Wolf to approve the money needed for the projects through Pennsylvania's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. The RACP is administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvements.