Today, I visited southern Chester County, in the nearby district of Rep. Christina Sappey, along with our neighboring legislator Rep. Dan Williams. We gathered to honor a group of brave men from our three legislative districts who came together during a flash flood just weeks ago to save a family that was swept away in their car by a rising creek. Read more
Rep. Otten's September 2020 newsletter highlighting a pipeline/environmental update, grants awarded to the district, voting by mail and more. Read more
Yesterday we wrapped up a busy week of session, where election system efficiency was front-and-center. The House debated and voted on HB 2626, a bill that would effectively ban remote drop boxes and move the deadline for requesting a mail-in ballot from seven days before an election to 15 days before the election. Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 25 – Chester County’s Democratic state Reps. Dan Williams, Danielle Friel-Otten and Kristine Howard announced that Coatesville Area School District, Chester County Intermediate Unit and 21st Century Cyber Charter School each received grant funding to improve educational services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Awardees are schools designated for Additional Targeted Support and Improvement under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. Grants were awarded as follows: Coatesville Area School District: North Brandywine Middle School: $68,542. Rainbow Elementary School: $60,320. Reeceville Elementary School: $38,494. Coatesville Area Senior High School: $56,148. Chester County Intermediate Unit: $96,353. 21st Century Cyber Charter School: $38,371. “Ensuring that each student has the tools they need to succeed this academic year will be more complex compared to years prior. I’m proud to see these schools receive this much-needed funding so children can safely continue to learn as we work toward mitigating COVID-19 throughout our community and our commonwealth,” Williams said. “Pennsylvania’s schools were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and historically underserved students are likely to be the most impacted. I am grateful for this additional funding, which will help ensure a successful, safe and productive Read more
UPPER UWCHLAN, Aug. 21 – State Rep. Danielle Friel-Otten, D-Chester, today announced that $1.3 million in grants has been awarded to three communities throughout her legislative district to help upgrade water and sewer infrastructure projects. The funding will be distributed through two grant programs by the Commonwealth Financing Authority . Details of grant recipients and projects are follows: H2O PA grants: Upper Uwchlan Township Municipal Authority: $463,996 to extend the township’s sanitary sewer system to properties that currently have failing on-site septic tanks. Borough of Phoenixville: $650,000 to upgrade the borough’s wastewater treatment plant to include hydrothermal carbonization, a process that converts organic matter to a carbon-rich, coal-like product called hydrochar. PA Small Water and Sewer grant: West Brandywine Township Municipal Authority: $254,316 to renovate four pump stations at Culbertson Run, Swinehart and Reeceville Roads. “These grants will help to address the waste management needs of our communities and ensure that current and future needs are met without further burdening taxpayers ,” Otten said. “Additionally, these projects will benefit our environment as they seek to reduce energy consumption, and, in Phoenixville’s case, decrease waste sent to landfills by using biosolids and food waste to create marketable end products. Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 14 – State legislators representing five House districts and three Senatorial districts in Chester County have signed a letter to secretary Patrick McDonnell of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, secretary Dr. Rachel Levine of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and Chairwoman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission calling for an immediate halt to Mariner East pipeline construction and a revocation of Energy Transfer’s permits in Chester County. “Pennsylvanians have a constitutional right to clean water, clean air and the preservation of our state’s vast natural resources, but time and time again, construction on the Mariner East pipeline has violated that right,” state Sen. Katie Muth, Berks/Chester/Montgomery, said. “This latest incident further proves that construction cannot be carried out safely. All state-issued permits for the Mariner East pipeline in Chester County must be revoked.” “In just the past month, we’ve had more than a dozen serious events at Mariner East pipeline sites in Chester County, endangering our waters, ecosystems, and public health and safety,” state Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, said. “We’ve had sinkholes along Business Route 30 at one segment of the Mariner pipeline, hundreds of thousands of gallons of water pouring out of a hillside at another, pipeline Read more
Chester County has been plagued yet again by a recent string of Mariner East pipeline construction incidents. Read more
Aug. 11, 2020 – Late yesterday afternoon, drilling fluid from a Mariner East horizontal directional drilling (HDD) site upstream of Marsh Creek State Park spilled into a tributary of Marsh Creek Lake and ultimately into the lake itself in an incident the industry refers to as an “inadvertent return” (IR). Sunoco/Energy Transfer initially claimed that 1,000 gallons of drilling fluid were spilled from the site, along pipeline segment HDD-290 in Upper Uwchlan Township. As of 2 p.m. on August 11, the PA Department of Environmental Protection has increased that estimate to at least 10,000 gallons. The pipeline operator has set up barriers and vac trucks in an attempt to contain and mitigate the damage, but as photos and videos sent to my office by constituents living along the path of the spill indicate, these efforts are far too little, too late. The actual volume of the spill and the full extent of this damage are not yet known. The DEP, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Fish & Boat Commission have been on site to survey the damage. Marsh Creek Lake is one of our greatest treasures in Chester County and in the 155th Legislative District. It is an important habitat for fish, birds, turtles, amphibians, and other land and aquatic wildlife, and a drinking water source for Downingtown Municipal Water Authority and Aqua PA’s West Chester division. Like the dozens of constituents who have called, Read more
EXTON, July 14 – State Rep. Danielle Friel-Otten today voted against legislation that would provide a state tax credit to petrochemical manufacturers, demanding that the General Assembly “do better” than giving away tax money to out-of-state companies putting their chemical refineries in Pennsylvania. According to the Department of Revenue, if signed into law, H.B. 732 could result in $22 million in lost tax revenue per year, with giveaways to multinational corporations to expand plastics and petrochemical manufacturing in Pennsylvania. “When we talk about tax fairness, that conversation doesn’t include the people of Pennsylvania shouldering property tax hikes while petrochemical companies get kickbacks and sweetheart deals invented by the very politicians who have existed for decades on fossil fuel campaign contributions,” Otten said. “This cycle must stop if we want to see any change in this state.” Otten also mentioned that the legislation goes against the strides that Pennsylvania has made in restoring and preserving residents’ health since the COVID-19 crisis began. “Two weeks ago, Attorney General Josh Shapiro shared a grand jury report that specifically outlined how fracking can have severe impacts on human health, and now we are seeing how living with pollution-induced illness has compounded the impact of COVID-19 in frontline communities, disproportionately Read more
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Tom Wolf has demonstrated his willingness to go to great lengths to protect the health and safety of the public. It is time to bring the same political will to the issue of fracking. In its two-year investigation of the unconventional oil and gas industry, Pennsylvania’s 43rd Statewide Investigating Grand Jury “uncovered systematic failure by government agencies in overseeing the fracking industry and fulfilling their responsibility to protect Pennsylvanians from the inherent risks of industry operations.” (Source: Office of Attorney General Josh Shapiro ) The report outlined eight recommendations to protect Pennsylvanians from the risks of fracking and address the lack of oversight of the unconventional gas industry. In his public statement on June 25, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro painted a vivid picture, describing parents’ testimony that their children “would repeatedly wake up at night with severe nosebleeds caused by increased levels of gas in the air around the fracking sites.” While we are encouraged by the attorney general’s strong language regarding the health effects on children and others who live near fracking infrastructure, the eight recommendations miss an obvious first step: Stop the bleeding. The grand jury report provides irrefutable information and facts – 243 pages’ worth – demonstrating that people are Read more
Renters and homeowners who were financially impacted by the economic slowdown related to the coronavirus pandemic will be able to access applications for rent and mortgage relief beginning Monday, June 29. At that time, applications will be accessible from a red banner on the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s website at www.PHFA.org . Homeowners who became unemployed after March 1 or who suffered at least a 30 percent reduction in annual income due to reduced work hours and wages related to COVID-19 may be eligible for financial assistance to help with missed mortgage payments. To qualify for the Pandemic Mortgage Assistance Program, the applicant must be an owner-occupant of their residence, the dwelling must consist of one or two separate units, the mortgage must be at least 30 days delinquent, and the applicant-homeowner’s annual household income must not exceed the Area Median Income for their county of residence adjusted for the number of people in their home. For renters to be eligible for financial assistance under the CARES Rent Relief Program, they will need to document at least a 30 percent reduction in annual income since March 1 related to COVID-19, or they must have become unemployed after March 1. If unemployed, they must have filed for Unemployment Compensation. Their household income cannot exceed the Area Median Income for their county of residence adjusted for the number of people in their home. For more information Read more
Applications are expected to be available June 30 for a new program aimed at providing critical funding to local businesses hurt by the coronavirus. The first round of the $225 million COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance grant program is expected to open for applications on Tuesday, June 30 and will remain open for 10 business days. Additionally, applications will continue to be accepted after 10 business days to be considered for future rounds of funding. Those rounds will be announced soon. This program will award grants ranging from $5,000 - $50,000 to small businesses economically impacted by the coronavirus, and money is specifically set aside for businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people. For an application preparation checklist, criteria for eligibility and consideration, and a full list of participating Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), please click below to go to the COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance website. https://pabusinessgrants.com/ Read more
I understand that the shutdown has been challenging for everyone, lonely and isolating for many, and financially devastating for some. I understand how difficult this continues to be for small business owners, and for workers and independent contractors still waiting to receive unemployment benefits or stimulus payments, and for teachers and families trying to work and learn from home. My husband and I are working with two young children at home -- children who are missing their classmates and too young to handle Zoom calls or online assignments independently. We all want this shutdown to end. I support ending it safely, gradually, and responsibly, to save lives, protect livelihoods, and prevent us from having to do this again. The public officials and medical professionals who have been training for their entire lives in public health and emergency management—not the legislature—are best suited to lead our reopening plans at this time. I believe that we can ultimately reopen faster, more safely, and more sustainably if we work together. While Chester County is still in the “red phase,” there are reasons to be hopeful. We have done extremely well at flattening the curve, and our commissioners and county department of health are optimistic that our numbers will support moving to “yellow” by June 4. This week, I voted “No” on motions to override Governor Wolf’s vetoes of HB 2412 and 2388. In the Read more
EXTON, May 11 – Last week, state Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, and state Sen. Katie Muth, D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery, submitted joint statements to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection expressing concerns over the safety of one pipeline project and transparency in the permit review process for another. Tuesday, May 5, marked the end of a five-day public comment period on Sunoco/Energy Transfer’s geophysical survey report for Mariner East pipeline segment HDD-310 in Uwchlan and Upper Uwchlan townships. Previous drilling at the site caused a 25-foot by 20-foot by 30-foot sinkhole. In their comments to DEP, the legislators cited concerns about unstable soil conditions, the risk of additional sinkholes, and the pipeline operator’s failure to address questions raised by residents and DEP about ground stability. On Friday, Muth and Otten submitted a joint statement expressing their objection to the cancelation of public hearings on a major modification request to Mariner East pipeline segment HDD-280. In 2019, Sunoco requested major modifications to both the route and installation method of this segment, with the proposed changes affecting Meadow Creek Lane in Upper Uwchlan Township. DEP first accepted written public comments on the modification request in December 2019 and January 2020, and a public hearing was scheduled for April 15. When the hearing was canceled to prevent the spread of COVID-19, a new written public comment Read more
Rep. Danielle Friel Otten and Sen. Muth issue a joint statement on Sunoco’s geophysical survey report at HDD 310 in Uwchlan and Upper Uwchlan townships Read more
Letter from Rep. Danielle Friel Otten and Sen. Katie Muth to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection objecting the cancelation of public hearings on Sunoco’s major modification request to HDD280 in Upper Uwchlan Township Read more
EXTON, May 5 – State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, and her staff organized a volunteer effort to create cloth masks for community organizations in need. To date, the volunteers have made and donated more than 1,000 face masks to nursing homes, senior living facilities, personal care homes, and fire and ambulance companies in the 155th Legislative District. Otten said the idea to help came from a Facebook post she saw written by a volunteer at a senior living facility in her legislative district stating that they were in urgent need of masks. While the facility’s requests for personal protective equipment for its medical staff were filled through the county, Otten and her staff contacted the facility and learned that they needed 500 cloth masks for residents, volunteers and non-medical staff. Otten’s outreach events coordinator Sarah Heil immediately began mobilizing volunteers to fill the facility’s request, as well as calling other organizations in the district to determine who else may be in need. Through social media and personal contacts, Heil connected with the Chester County chapter of Sew for PA, a group formed in recent weeks to sew face masks for essential workers. The Sew for PA group quickly filled the order for 500 masks for the senior living facility and now has 200 more in the queue to be delivered to the East Brandywine Fire Co. Heil also recruited 12 volunteers from t he Read more
Pennsylvania Department of Aging The Pennsylvania Department of Aging is the agency that oversees all programs and services providing aid to Pennsylvania’s seniors. They are available to assist seniors with caregiver support, transportation, senior housing, prescription assistance, nutrition services, and more. They can be contacted at 717-783-1550 or aging@pa.gov . Chester County Department of Aging The Chester County Department of Aging can connect you to programs and services that can help you stay home and stay safe. While the department’s physical offices are closed, they are still operating to provide essential services and answer questions. Please call 610-344-6350 or email ccaging@chesco.org . Protective Services One of the primary responsibilities of the County and State Departments of Aging is to protect older adults by investigating suspected cases of abuse quickly and thoroughly. During the COVID-19 crisis, they are taking steps to reduce the risk of exposure to older adults. If you suspect elder abuse, please call the county hotline at 1-800-564-7000 or the statewide abuse reporting hotline at 1-800-490-8505. These hotlines operate 24/7, 365 days per year. PA Link The PA Link assists older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing information and connecting them to supports and services they need (non-medical and medical) to live safely in Read more
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on every aspect of our communities. We understand this time has been difficult for many, especially those who are dealing with, or have a family member dealing with, substance abuse or withdrawal symptoms. In extreme cases, limited access to alcohol may put some individuals at risk for alcohol withdrawal syndrome, which can be life threatening. Below is a list of county, state, and federal resources available to meet your specific needs. The availability of some resources may be affected by COVID-19. Please see individual websites for adjusted hours and services. Substance Use Resources: PA Get Help Now: A 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year hotline staffed by trained professionals who will stay on the phone with the caller until a treatment provider with an opening is identified. Phone, Chat, and Text options available: 24/7 Help Line: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) 24/7 Text: 717-216-0905 24/7 Chat Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Resource Page Resources for Individuals Resources for Families Chester County Drug and Alcohol Services: Resource Page Chester County: The Family Help Book guide to addiction and recovery resources in Chester County U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: SAMHSA National Helpline Support Groups/Programs Read more
My office has received many questions about resources for individuals and families in need of food as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Below is a list of resources and services available to ensure no one goes hungry during this difficult time. If you have any questions, please contact my office at 484-200-8259 or repotten@pahouse.net . Food Banks and Pantries Lord’s Pantry 610-873-1149 141 E Lancaster Ave., Downingtown Monday and Tuesday 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Qualifications Chester County Food Bank The Chester County Food Bank will continue to serve the community while taking the recommended COVID-19 precaution measures. To find a food bank near you visit: https://chestercountyfoodbank.org/community-partners/member-agencies/ 610-873-6000 Spring City Food Pantry Spring-Ford Project Outreach is continuing to offer pantry services to clients. Clients are asked to wait outside and provide their green ID card or proof of residency. 484-431-3493 145 Chestnut St., Spring City Thursdays 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Senior Centers If you are a senior living in Chester County and you need assistance obtaining breakfast or lunch, please reach out to the Phoenixville Area Senior Center or the Coatesville Area Read more
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631 Pottstown PikeExton, PA 19341
P*: (484) 200-8259
F*: (484) 200-8269
Hours of Operation - Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Walk-in service closed temporarily and mobile offices temporarily suspended; contact us by phone or email.
Spring City Food PantryFellowship Room, First United Church of Christ145 Chestnut StreetSpring City, PA 19475-1804
Hours of Operation - First Thursday of every month: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Henrietta Hankin Branch Library215 Windgate DriveChester Springs, PA 19425
Hours of Operation - Second Tuesday of every month: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Located in the Café1257 Horseshoe PikeDowningtown, PA 19335
Hours of Operation - First Tuesday of every month: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
102 B East WingPO Box 202155Harrisburg, PA 17120-2155
P*: (717) 783-5009
F*: (717) 772-2943