Boyd announces multiple state grant awards for critical projects
Rep. Heather Boyd October 22, 2024 | 3:45 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – State Rep. Heather Boyd, D-Delaware, today announced the award of several high-profile state grants for local projects that will benefit residents of the 163rd Legislative District.
One grant originated from the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program, which was created to provide 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.
- Upper Darby School District, Life Safety Systems Upgrade Project, $1 million
- The project will complete a districtwide upgrade of the fire alarm and security alarm systems, including wiring and downstream devices. The fire alarms, security, stand-by power, and fire protection systems range from non-existent to partially upgraded with many beyond their service life. Upgrades will bring all systems to code compliance and provide a robust system to manage safety and security issues. PSFIG funds will be used for the purchase and installation of equipment and engineering costs.
The 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 Pennsylvania.
- Clifton Heights Borough, Clifton Heights Parking Enhancement Plan, $30,000
- As Clifton Heights Borough continues to develop and attract more residents and businesses, the demand for parking has significantly increased. This has created issues with traffic congestion throughout the borough and has highlighted the inadequate amount of parking spaces in the business district and parking lots. Clifton Heights Borough is proposing a parking study to address the parking issues. The study will include assessment of current parking supply and demand, usage pattern analysis, identification of problem areas, stakeholder feedback and development of strategic recommendations.
- Clifton Heights Borough, Clifton Heights Patrol Vehicle Purchase, $122,508
- Clifton Heights Borough is proposing the purchase of two 2023 Police Interceptor Utility AWD vehicles. The vehicles will augment the current fleet and provide vehicles that have improved safety features and greater adaptability for various law enforcement roles. The project will also include the upfitting and striping of the vehicles.
- Darby Township, Multi-Media Upgrades, $73,242
- The township has an antiquated PA system that provides no benefit during meetings and the township has no audio system that benefits the residents or internal staff for meetings and or seminars. The township plans to purchase equipment to improve the communications with clear and effective conversation between residents, employees and commissioners.
- Darby Township, Township of Darby Highway Department, Street Sweeper, $273,330
- The township’s current sweeper is old and beyond its useful life, doesn't effectively remove debris, and is constantly breaking down. The project will purchase a new street sweeper to provide the residents with a cleaner environment.
"Grant investment in schools and municipalities offers substantial benefits by enabling vital improvements without increasing the financial burden on local budgets,” Boyd said. “These funds help upgrade school facilities, improve infrastructure and enhance community services, creating better opportunities for students and residents alike. By supporting these projects, grants contribute to sustainable growth and stronger, more resilient communities."