O’Mara announces over $5 million in state grant awards for critical projects
Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara October 22, 2024 | 3:40 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, today announced the award of several high-profile state grants for local projects that will benefit residents of the 165th Legislative District.
Some grants originated from the new Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program, which provides grants to public school districts and area career and technical schools for eligible facility improvement projects. The Program is administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development under the direction of the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
- Marple Newtown School District: $374,587 to go to Paxon Hollow Middle School Roof Repair Project that will prevent leaks and provide a safer and healthier environment.
- Springfield School District: $300,000 to go to ET Richardson Middle School Asbestos Floor Tile Replacement Project, which will remediate the health and safety of the school by eliminating potential exposure to asbestos.
- Delaware County Intermediate Unit Career and Technical School: $1,500,000 to go to roof replacement and repairs at four of their facilities to prevent leaks and improve energy efficiency.
Other grants originate from the Statewide Local Share Account, which comes from the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act. The act provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
- Marple Township: $605,000 to go to South Marple Little League Field Lighting, expanding the access to game times for the more than 200 little leaguers who use this field every season.
- Marple Township: $146,886 to two new patrol vehicles to replace existing older vehicles.
- Springfield Township: $1,000,000 to the Saxer Avenue Accessible Playground Sitework, creating an accessible, open greenspace for the community.
- Swarthmore Borough: $694,100 to go to park & water quality improvements at Little Crum Creek Park to address erosion, repair the walking path, and reconstruct a section of streambed.
- Upper Providence Township: $300,000 to Upper Providence Township 5-Points Community Plaza, which includes purchasing a vacant lot to create a new communal multi-use greenspace.
- Delaware County Industrial Development Authority: $800,000 to Riddle Memorial Hospital Emergency Department Renovations, rehabilitating the 60 year-old building to make adjustments for the increase in services provided due to local hospital closures.
"I am thrilled that these community projects and schools are receiving much needed funding for critical improvements without straining local budgets,” O’Mara said. “These investments enhance educational facilities, upgrade public infrastructure, and improve community services, fostering a better learning environment for students and a higher quality of life for residents. By supporting local projects, grant funding helps drive innovation, strengthen community ties, and create lasting positive change."