Fiedler, Merski, Kosierowski want to make it easier for schools to apply for remediation funding
Rep. Robert Merski October 16, 2026 | 4:29 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 16 – State Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., Robert Merski, D-Erie, and Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, today introduced legislation that would update the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to allow funding for school remediation projects.
House Bill 2860 would remove barriers in the RACP program to allow school districts to apply for funding to address urgent health and safety issues. In its current form, RACP grants often fund large capital projects to renovate manufacturing facilities, public spaces, workforce development programs and more. While some school districts can currently benefit from RACP funds, this bill would make applications more accessible, especially to smaller and rural districts.
“While the legislature has made progress to invest more in school buildings, including creating the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program, so many of our facilities remain in desperate need of additional funding options,” said Fiedler. “Our children are in these buildings now. They can’t wait five, 10 or 20 years for upgrades and modernization.”
Pennsylvania is home to some of the oldest public school buildings in the nation, which desperately need redevelopment. Many have outdated materials like asbestos in cracked floor tiles and lead in drinking water, a lack of air conditioning, and inadequate plumbing that puts bathrooms out of order for weeks. These conditions have serious short- and long-term impacts on students and staff, affecting everything from physical health to academic achievement.
“Our local school districts are dealing with rising costs like Pennsylvanians across the commonwealth. Often, district budgets are bare-bones to minimize raising taxes for property owners, leaving roofs and electrical wiring out-of-date, and in some cases, out-of-code. RACP for schools would allow districts to apply for an existing state program that has been effective in providing redevelopment funds. I can’t think of a better use of resources than investing in quality school buildings for Pennsylvania students and communities,” said Merski.
“Every child deserves a safe, healthy school environment. Expanding access to RACP funding will help our school districts address critical building needs and ensure students have the safe learning environments they deserve,” said Kosierowski.
The RACP grant program was established in 1986 for the design, acquisition and construction of regional projects with substantial economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical impacts. It is administered by the Office of the Budget.