Delaware County elected officials laud $1.5M grant to strengthen 911 system

Southeast Delegation    December 29, 2020 | 2:19 PM

HARRISBURG, Dec. 29 – State representatives and senators from Delaware County applauded a $1.5 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program award to strengthen the county’s 911 system.

Through bipartisan efforts, elected officials helped secure grants to benefit more than 560,000 Pennsylvanians and help Delaware County’s first responders.

This project will strengthen the security and reliability of the county’s public safety communication system. This includes 24 tower upgrades to provide acceptable county-wide communication coverage, shelter structures, an ice bridge, grounding, electric, HVAC, core work additions and 911 center equipment to communicate effectively in emergency situations with citizens, first responders and with surrounding counties in southeastern Pennsylvania.

“Calling 911 and receiving a timely response has been an issue for years throughout Delaware County,” House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton, D-Delaware/Phila., said. “Thankfully, this funding will help streamline our communications system to ensure that residents in crisis can quickly receive help and support. I’m proud to see lawmakers from both the House and Senate, Democrat and Republican, come together for the safety of the people we represent.”

“I’ve heard from many constituents about frustrations they’ve experienced with calling 911 since 2016,” said state Rep. Margo Davidson, who is chair of the House Democratic Caucus Southeast Delegation. “I’ve been proudly working on this project for the last four years, and I’m pleased to see it come to fruition. By streamlining and advancing our 911 system’s capabilities, we’re creating safer communities and a more efficient force of first responders.”

Rep. Leanne Krueger, D-Delaware, said, “This funding will better equip emergency responders to receive and answer calls throughout all of Delaware County, safely. Fixing the reliability and effectiveness of the 911 system benefits everyone, and I was glad to work with all of our county’s elected representatives to secure this valuable funding for our communities.”

Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, said, “I’m proud to see legislators come together from across the aisle and from every edge of the county to provide for our first responders. As the co-chair of the bipartisan Fire and Emergency Services Caucus and daughter of a firefighter, ensuring the success of our local emergency service organizations drives my work as a lawmaker. This investment is a major victory for our county’s first responders and, in turn, the safety of residents.”

Rep. David Delloso, D-Delaware, said, “This project and the upgrades it provides will serve our community well for years to come. It ensures that more than a half-million people receive the emergency response that they need, when they need it.” 

Rep. Mike Zabel, D-Delaware, said, “Delaware County 911 communications are a lifeline for our residents. The ability to have fast and reliable service throughout the county guarantees people receive the care and support they need when circumstances are dire.”   

Rep. Brian Kirkland, D-Delaware, said, “This grant brings Delaware County and our emergency communications up to speed. It helps make sure that first responders will be on the scene quickly and safely to help more people – whenever and wherever they are needed.”

Rep. Greg Vitali, D-Delaware/Montgomery, said, “As technology advances, so too should our call centers. We should be doing everything we can to provide as much information as possible to our emergency responders so that they can act swiftly to save people’s lives.”

Rep. Chris Quinn, R-Delaware, said, “This grant is critically important and will greatly benefit Delaware County. The upgrades to our emergency communications are crucial to ensuring that the public can receive the assistance they need during a crisis.”

Rep.-Elect Craig Williams, R-Delaware, said, “Our emergency services and first responders deserve every bit of support we can provide as they help the people of Delaware County. I am grateful to the representatives who came before me in obtaining this much needed financial assistance for our 911 system. I pledge to continue that bipartisan collaboration in securing for our first responders the resources they need to perform their various missions."

Rep.-Elect Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, said, “The value of public safety is weighed by the reliability of 911, because it is the literal lifeline for people experiencing an emergency life-threatening situation. Guaranteeing that the system is reliable and prompt is absolutely vital. This investment demonstrates the cohesive effort of lawmakers — regardless of chamber and party — striving to make the safety and well-being of our neighbors a top priority.”

Sen. Tim Kearney said, D-Chester/Delaware, “Each and every day, first responders put their lives at risk to keep our communities safe. This investment from the commonwealth will go a long way toward ensuring that first responders in Delaware County have the tools and resources they need to effectively perform their mission, especially in emergency situations. I am proud to have worked with my colleagues to secure this funding and support the brave men and women on the frontlines of public safety.”

Sen. Anthony H. Williams, D-Delaware/Phila., said, “I am pleased that state funds were awarded to improve emergency services in Delaware County. Our first responders provide essential services by keeping our communities safe, and this project will help them effectively carry out their life-saving mission. Providing communities with funding for emergency services is part of my shared duty as an elected government official, and I am particularly proud of the team effort by the Delaware County delegation to secure these funds.”

Sen.-Elect John Kane, D-Chester/Delaware, said, “First responders are on the front lines every day working to keep our communities safe. This grant will provide critical infrastructure to make sure these men and women have the resources they need to serve all of Delaware County. It’s an honor to stand with my colleagues in the House and Senate to support these important measures.”

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.