State Reps. Hanbidge and Daley announce $2 million grant for Gwynedd Mercy project

HARRISBURG, Dec. 6 – In an effort to help get a Gwynedd Mercy University renovation project off the ground, state Reps. Liz Hanbidge and Mary Jo Daley today announced a $2 million state grant that will be used to launch phase 1 of the Triplex Project, the renovation of Loyola Hall.

The funding is being awarded to the Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.

“Universities across the nation are competing to attract the best and the brightest students, and many are struggling to offer both a quality education and a modern and exciting campus experience,” Hanbidge said. “The expansion project happening at Gwynedd Mercy University continues to transform the campus in exciting ways, and I am delighted to help secure this $2 million in state funding to help see it through.”     

According to the lawmakers, the renovation project will upgrade residential living/learning rooms, common spaces, meeting spaces, utility and technology rooms, and bathrooms. The relocation of workspace for residence life and health and wellness will increase residential capacity by eight rooms. Renovations include upgrades to electric, installation of WiFi, asbestos abatement, improvements to exterior masonry deficiency, ADA bathroom facilities, and installation of HVAC/Ventilation that meets COVID-19 pandemic requirements.

"Investment in campus facilities is key in keeping young people in the commonwealth to further their education," Daley said. "I'm delighted to see these funds go toward renovating and improving living and learning spaces for Gwynedd Mercy students to help them thrive in pursuing their degrees."

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.

RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenue or other measures of economic activity.