Sanchez announces over $1.2 million in state grant funding wins for three projects in Abington and Upper Dublin
Rep. Ben Sanchez December 18, 2025 | 2:03 PM
HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – State Rep. Ben Sanchez today announced the approval of Local Share Account – Statewide grants that will support significant investments in education, community health care and transportation infrastructure across eastern Montgomery County, with the strong support of fellow Montgomery County legislators Sens. Art Haywood and Maria Collett and Reps. Nancy Guenst and Melissa Cerrato.
“These LSA grants represent smart, targeted investments that strengthen our workforce pipeline, expand access to essential health services, and improve quality of life in our communities,” Sanchez said. “From preparing students for high-demand cybersecurity careers, to expanding dental care for uninsured neighbors, to creating safer options for walking and biking, these projects deliver real benefits for the residents of our local community and beyond.”
Penn State Abington has been awarded $248,500 in LSA funding toward a Cybersecurity Analytics Lab Expansion Project in Abington Township. The project will create two industry-standard cybersecurity labs where students can simulate cyberattacks, conduct vulnerability assessments, and gain hands-on experience aligned with real-world security challenges. Funding will support facility renovations, electrical upgrades, cybersecurity lab equipment, classroom instruction equipment and audio-visual enhancements.
“This grant is a transformative boost for our growing cybersecurity and data analytics major that enables us to build cutting-edge labs that mirror real-world cyber defense environments,” Penn State Abington Chancellor Dr. Gary Liguori said. “Our students will be able to better simulate cyberattacks, conduct vulnerability assessments, and engage in incident response training. These new facilities will strengthen our curriculum, internship preparation and partnerships and allow us to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals,” Liguori said. “We are grateful to Representative Sanchez, Senator Haywood, and lawmakers throughout the commonwealth for this investment, which positions our graduates to meet workforce needs in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania.”
“This investment ensures students are prepared to meet the growing cybersecurity needs of employers and the public sector,” Sanchez said. “Cybersecurity is a critical field, and this project helps keep our region competitive.”
Manor College has received $625,123 in LSA funding to fully support the Manor College Dental Health Center Expansion Project in Abington Township. The Dental Health Center provides essential dental services to community members in need, including those without insurance, while also serving as a clinical training site for dental hygiene students. The expansion will allow for approximately 30% growth by adding two additional dental stations, increasing both student capacity and patient access. Funds will be used for construction, permitting, and the purchase and installation of necessary equipment.
“Manor College cannot thank Representative Sanchez enough for his support of this application,” Manor College President Jonathan Peri said. “The work that will be done here in Abington Township will serve so many of our neighbors, especially seniors, throughout the region with more high quality, low cost dental care. We are thrilled to move this project forward in such a way that will have a meaningful and lasting impact.”
“This project reflects a strong commitment to both education and community health,” Sanchez said. “Manor College plays a vital role in ensuring access to quality, compassionate dental care for our neighbors.”
Upper Dublin Township Municipal Authority, on behalf of Montgomery County, has been awarded $350,000 in LSA funding toward the Dreshertown Road Cross County Trail Extension Project. The project will construct a 0.7-mile extension of the Cross County Trail and widen Virginia Drive/Dreshertown Road (SR 2024) between Susquehanna Road and Beacon Hill/Bantry Drive. Additional improvements include construction of missing sidewalk segments, upgrades to traffic signal systems to include pedestrian phases, and ADA-compliant intersections and crosswalks. The project will promote walking and biking, improve access to public transit, and enhance safety for all users.
“Upper Dublin Township’s Municipal Authority has committed to transforming the Greater Fort Washington District into a regional destination center,” Executive Director Kurt Ferguson said. “Through the support of Representative Ben Sanchez, the Municipal Authority’s investment has been awarded critical grant funding for infrastructure improvements over the past 10 years. This $350,000 Local Share Account grant award through PA DCED will be directly utilized for construction of the Dreshertown Road Improvements and Cross County Trail Extension from Susquehanna Road to Beacon Hill and Bantry Drive.
“These improvements will continue our investment to provide biking and walking options within Upper Dublin Township, help complete the 17.5-mile Circuit Trail through Montgomery County, and improve safety and operations within the Dresher Triangle.”
Sanchez noted that all of these projects are worthy of public funding.
“Investments like this help create safer, healthier and more connected communities,” Sanchez said. “These projects highlights the value of collaboration between local, county and state partners.”
“If we want to live in healthier, safer neighborhoods where all of us can thrive, investments like these are critical.” Collett said. “I was proud to work with partners on the state and local levels to support infrastructure projects that have tangible impacts on our communities, economy and future.”
Local Share Account – Statewide grants are funded through gaming revenues under the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act and are administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The program supports projects that serve the public interest and strengthen communities across the Commonwealth.
“I’m proud to support projects that invest in education, healthcare and infrastructure for our community,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez represents the 153rd District, comprised of Rockledge Borough, most of Abington Township and half of Upper Dublin Township in Montgomery County.
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CONTACT: Ryan Bevitz
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-7895
Email: rbevitz@pahouse.net
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