Friel announces multiple state grant awards for critical projects
Rep. Paul Friel October 22, 2024 | 2:48 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – State Rep. Paul Friel, D-Chester, today announced the award of several high-profile state grants for local projects that will benefit residents of the 26th 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.
- Owen J. Roberts School District, Boiler Replacement Project, $1.32 million
The proposed project will replace aging, inefficient oil-burning boilers with more energy efficient gas-condensing boilers. Removal of oil-fired boilers will also allow the removal of large fuel oil storage tanks which could potentially cause environmental hazards if a spill or leak occurs. PSFIG funds will be used for the purchase and installation of equipment.
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.
- East Coventry Township, Public Works Vehicle and Equipment Purchase, $102,300
East Coventry Township uses a 14-year-old, single cab truck for use by the Public Works Department. The Public Works Department uses the truck for road maintenance, parks, open space trail maintenance, general construction projects, emergency situations, and in winter as a snowplow. The township plans to purchase a new crew truck which will be upfitted with shelves, storage compartments, LED lighting, including additional safety lighting, a plow, and a safety rack. This will allow more than one or two employees to get to a site.
- East Pikeland Township, East Pikeland Police Department In-Car Cameras and Technology, $41,100
East Pikeland Township Police seek to upgrade the in-car camera system used by the department to gather evidence when responding to calls and emergencies. The project aims to purchase the Axon Fleet3 integrated system including the necessary signal unit, camera kit, fleet3 software and storage license (necessary for the system’s operation for one year). Project costs will include installation of the system on each vehicle.
- East Pikeland Township, East Pikeland Public Works Department Volvo Loader, $165,211
The proposed project will purchase a new Volvo loader to be utilized by the public works department. The department manages a growing yard waste recycling facility, 40 miles of township-owned roads, and 376 acres of publicly accessible open space and parkland, with more being added every year. Having a reliable loader is essential to the day-to-day operation of the public works department, and replacing the current loader that has exceeded its useful life will ensure operational needs continue to be met.
- Elverson Borough Municipal Authority, Sanitary Sewer Collection System Rehabilitation and Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Project, $250,000
The proposed project will rehabilitate the existing sewer treatment plant to ensure the plant continues to meet current DEP effluent discharge limits. The project includes updating and relocating the headworks, upgrading the ultraviolet disinfection system, HVAC upgrades, and water service upgrades to connect to the public water system.
- North Coventry Township, Police Vehicle Purchase, $61,250
North Coventry Township Police Department needs a new police vehicle to replace the oldest vehicles in its fleet. The project will purchase and upfit one Dodge Durango to meet the department’s requirements and enhance public safety for residents.
- North Coventry Water Authority, NCWA Acquisition of Aqua PA Suburbia Shopping Center Water System, $400,000
North Coventry Water Authority is planning to acquire a satellite water supply and distribution system owned by Aqua PA that serves the Suburbia Shopping Center. Completion of this project will provide reliable and consistent water supply to the Suburbia Shopping Center and eliminate a contaminated water source, which requires costly treatment. The proposed project is to install a distribution main and appurtenances connecting the Suburbia Shopping Center system with the NCWA water distribution system.
- North Coventry Water Authority, NCWA Emergency Generator Purchase and Installation, $425,000
The project is to purchase and install a 150KW emergency generator. The installation will include pouring of a concrete pad, trenching for conduits, crane unloading, and the installation of a transfer switch, conduits, and cabling.
- South Coventry Township, South Coventry Well Development, $90,377
Based on a geologic study, a third well location has been identified. The township intends to drill a third well to address a water shortage and to make modifications to the treatment and distribution system to provide a safe and reliable source of water for system users. The project is located on the east side of PA Route 100 on the northeast quadrant of the PA Route 100 and Pughtown Road intersection. The project will consist of planning and testing, drilling a new 10-inch production well, install the necessary piping to connect the well to the system, and add the required improvements to the treatment.
“State-level funding plays a crucial role in empowering local development, providing the necessary resources for growth without overburdening taxpayers,” Friel said. “By strategically allocating funds, states can invest in infrastructure, education, and public services, supporting our thriving communities while saving local taxpayers significant costs.”