Parker announces $11.7 million in state grants for the 198th District
Rep. Darisha Parker October 27, 2022 | 3:59 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 27 – State grants totaling nearly $12 million will fund local projects in the 198th Legislative District, according to state Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila.
“The importance of this kind of state support cannot be overstated,” Parker said. “These are large-scale projects that are important parts of our communities and our region, our culture and our daily lives. State government support is a critical part of their success and something that I take very seriously.”
The funding is provided from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, or RACP, and 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.
The following projects have been awarded:
- $1.25 million to 5616 North Broad Street Associates to stabilize the remaining building structure at 5616-20 N. Broad St. along the North Broad commercial corridor. The building will require a full structural renovation, roof system and other projects.
- $500,000 for the Allegheny West Foundation 22nd Street Commercial and Community Development II Project for a new recreation center that will provide more space for programs, classrooms, a computer lab, multimedia room, recording studio, commercial kitchen, a new indoor half basketball court and space for middle school programs.
- $2.2 million to Budd Bioworks for Budd Innovations Center for a large-scale adaptive reuse project including lab and small-scale commercialization space that support long-term growth of the innovation cluster within North Philadelphia and provide a launch pad for developing companies which support the growth of the life science economy.
- $1 million to the Police Athletic League of Philadelphia for construction of a new PAL Center on Ontario Street, which includes a multi-purpose gym for things like volleyball, soccer, handball, group exercises and yoga, administrative office space, restrooms; and reconfigurable workshop space for partnerships and demonstrations with the trades; tech rooms; multipurpose classroom space and dedicated health and wellness space.
- $750,000 for Einstein Healthcare Network for security and patient room enhancements, including installation of security turnstiles at each entrance and additional security cameras, and renovations of inpatient rooms, common corridors and nurse stations on the inpatient units in the Levy, Tower and Willowcrest buildings.
- $3.5 million to LaSalle University for a new health, wellness and fitness center connected to the athletic complex which will include multipurpose courts, fitness space, additional support space and a new combined entry to the complex. The project will also renovate the Wister Hall HVAC system and wiring.
- $500,000 for renovation of the former Whittier School into a modern, environmentally sustainable facility for KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools, including new mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems, new elevator shaft and façade, new handrails and windows.
- $1 million for Workforce Development and Economic Empowerment Generator in North Philadelphia to renovate the existing building into an academy for skilled vocational training; a business accelerator for predominately Black-led, early-stage entrepreneurial companies; and community health services facility.
- $1 million for Youth Development and Community Empowerment Center in North Philadelphia to renovate an existing building into a state-of-the-art facility, community resource, and a world-class basketball and youth development community center.
RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenue or other measures of economic activity.