Senator Santarsiero and Representative Davis Announce $2 Million to Repair Randall Avenue Bridge in Bristol Township

BUCKS COUNTY – Marzo 26, 2024 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Tina Davis (D-141) announced today $2 million in state funding to support the repair and renovation of the Randall Avenue bridge in Bristol Township.  The funding is part of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Multimodal Transportation Fund.

“The repair and re-opening of the Randall Avenue bridge is critical for the safety of Bristol Township residents,” said Senator Santarsiero.  “This is an important first step while state and federal officials support the township’s long-term goal of rebuilding and replacing the structure.  I will continue to work with the township to address the concerns of the residents and the community, and support state funding for the rebuilding of the bridge.”

“I was happy to work with Senator Santarsiero to bring this substantial funding together to assist the township with moving the Randall Ave Bridge renovation forward,” said Rep. Davis. “The residents have been very patient throughout this process, and we owe it to them to ensure critical public safety personnel can get to them in a timely manner.  I am hopeful that this funding will help make that goal a reality very soon.”

The bridge has been closed since Febrero 2023 due to safety concerns.  The bridge, owned and maintained by Bristol Township, crosses the train tracks operated by Amtrak along its Northeast Corridor route.  Sen. Santarsiero and Rep. Davis participated in a public meeting in Enero 2024 to hear directly from residents about the importance of safely reopening the bridge. 

“We extend our gratitude to both Senator Santarsiero and Representative Davis for their partnership and investment in Bristol Township’s shared future”, Bristol Township Council President Craig Bowen stated upon receiving the news of $2 million secured in multimodal funding. “This generous support, along with additional support from Congressman Fitzpatrick, emphasizes all of our commitment to ensuring safe and reliable transportation for all residents and visitors, and more specifically to our Edgely residents we heard from during our Town Hall Meeting. With these grant funds, we will work to restore and reopen the “Edgely” Bridge, while continuing to seek funding for a much-needed full bridge replacement.”

The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth.  Additional information can be found on the DCED website

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El senador Santarsiero y el representante Davis anuncian 250.000 dólares para un proyecto de mejora de senderos

BUCKS COUNTYEnero 16, 2024 − Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Tina Davis (D-141) today announced that Bristol Borough will receive $250,000 in Act 13 Greenway, Trails and Recreation Program funds for Maple Beach Road trailhead improvement. 

The funds will be used to design and construct a multi-use trail along Maple Beach Road and a parking area.  The trail will connect the newly constructed Maple Beach Road bridge to the D&L Canal Trail terminus and Bristol Waterfront Park Trails.

“This project will connect several recreational and natural resources in Bristol Borough, further expanding the trail network and allowing residents to get the most out of the area’s outdoor recreational opportunities,” said Senator Santarsiero.

“Preserving our outdoor recreation area for future generations is important to the quality of life in the Bristol community,” said Representative Davis.  “I look forward to the completion of the Maple Beach Road Trailhead Improvements project.”

Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program funds can be awarded for projects involving development, rehabilitation and improvements to public parks, recreation areas, greenways, trails, and river conservation.  Additional information can be found on the DCED website.

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El senador Santarsiero y el representante Davis anuncian 460.000 dólares para el proyecto de mitigación de inundaciones del municipio de Bristol

BUCKS COUNTY − Enero 16, 2024 − Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Tina Davis (D-141) today announced that Bristol Borough will receive $460,000 in state funds through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a project to design and construct streambank stabilization measures along Adams Hollow Creek between North Cedar Street and Radcliffe Street.

“Restoring the streambank is critical to preserving the natural landscape and protecting the residential dwellings in the surrounding area,” said Senator Santarsiero.  “These funds will enable Bristol Borough to mitigate future damage from flooding, keeping the borough a desirable place for economic growth and development.”

Representative Davis noted, “Preventing flooding through the Adams Hollow Creek project is important for the economic status of Bristol Borough as many businesses are within close proximity to the creek.  This grant is important toward moving this project forward.”

Project funds include DCED’s Flood Mitigation Program. Flood Mitigation Program funds can be used for projects authorized by a flood protection authority, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) or the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) or identified by a local government for flood mitigation.  Additional information can be found on the DCED website.

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Los legisladores de los condados de Bucks y Filadelfia piden al DEP que investigue el vertido químico en el municipio de Bristol

BUCKS COUNTY, PA – Abril 17, 2023– In response to the Marzo 24th chemical spill that occurred in Bristol Township at the Altuglas LLC Chemical Plant, Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Tina Davis (D-141) called on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to investigate the cause of the spill, impose appropriate penalties, and develop policies to prevent future similar spills. 

Senator Santarsiero and Representative Davis were joined on the letter to DEP Acting Secretary Richard Negrin by nine additional members of the General Assembly serving Bucks and Philadelphia counties, downstream from the site of the chemical release in Bucks County.

The text of the letter follows:

Letter to Acting Sec. Negrin - Trinseo Chemical Spill

The letter can be found here.

El senador Santarsiero y el representante Davis consiguen 2 millones de dólares para el proyecto de reurbanización de un almacén en el municipio de Bristol 

BUCKS COUNTY  Noviembre 21, 2022 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Tina Davis (D-141) announced $2 million in state funds from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) will go to a redevelopment project in Bristol Township, transforming a warehouse space and creating both short-term construction jobs and permanent jobs in the area.

“This warehouse redevelopment project would be a welcome addition to Bristol Pike and the township, creating jobs for the construction phase and permanent jobs upon completion,” said Senator Santarsiero.  “I’d like to thank Governor Wolf for supporting my request to dedicate RACP funds for this project, which will help grow Bristol Township’s local economy.”

“These state funds will help support the ongoing revitalization of manufacturing industries in the area through the redevelopment of an industrial and logistics warehouse,” Rep. Davis said. “I thank Gov. Tom Wolf for allocating these RACP funds to this project which will create new jobs and support industry, energizing Lower Bucks’ economy.”

The current property holds a low-occupancy hotel located at 6201 Bristol Pike.  The property has been rezoned as Heavy Manufacturing, paving the way for the redevelopment. The project will include demolition of the current structure and construction of a 130,000 SF industrial and logistics warehouse that will include the addition of private water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure.

“We are ecstatic that Governor Wolf has chosen this project for RACP investment and are grateful to Senator Santarsiero and Representative Davis for everything they have done to make this project a reality.  This investment will help return this property to a productive and positive use, generating jobs and tax revenues to benefit the community” said Mike S. Callahan, VP of Acquisitions and Development for Benchmark Real Estate and Benchmark Construction.

El RACP es un programa de subvenciones de la Commonwealth administrado por la Oficina de Presupuestos para la adquisición y construcción de proyectos regionales de mejora económica, cultural, cívica, recreativa e histórica. Los proyectos RACP tienen un impacto regional o multijurisdiccional y generan aumentos sustanciales o mantienen los niveles actuales de empleo, ingresos fiscales u otras medidas de actividad económica. Los proyectos RACP son proyectos financiados por el Estado que no pueden obtener financiación primaria a través de otros programas estatales. 

Para obtener más información sobre los proyectos y subvenciones del RACP, visite el sitio web de la Oficina Presupuestaria de Pensilvania. 

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El senador Santarsiero y el diputado Davis consiguen 2 millones de dólares para la renovación del Bristol Riverside Theatre

BUCKS COUNTY – Octubre 26, 2022 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Tina Davis (D-141) announced $2 million in state funds from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) will go to a major renovation project at the Bristol Riverside Theatre in Bristol Borough.

“I’d like to thank Governor Wolf for supporting our request to dedicate RACP funds for the Bristol Riverside Theatre renovation, which will revitalize this award-winning establishment and breathe new life into the arts scene in Bristol Borough,” said Sen. Santarsiero.  “The Bristol Riverside Theatre has produced quality theatre for 35 years, and this project will enable the theatre to attract locals and visitors for years to the area for years to come.”

“I’m proud that I had the opportunity to work with Sen. Santarsiero on securing the $2 million in RACP funds for the Bristol Riverside Theatre renovation,” state Rep. Davis said. “The renovation of this award-wining cultural jewel will help enhance the area’s quality of life and economy, drawing new residents to this booming quarter of the commonwealth.”

The renovation will be a total overhaul of the theatre, which has not been upgraded since opening in 1986 in a historic movie theater in Bristol Borough.  The project will include demolition of the 300-seat space and construction of a state-of-the-art facility to attract theatre-goers to the more than 200 performances the theatre puts on annually.

“We are absolutely overjoyed by the announcement of this grant which will be truly transformational for Bristol Riverside Theatre,” said Amy Kaissar, Co-Producing Director for the theatre.  “This grant, at this moment in time, is a moving recognition of the importance of our mission and BRT’s centrality to our community. Our buildings have not been updated since 1986 so we can’t wait to welcome patrons to a refreshed, upgraded, and newly accessible building. We are deeply grateful to Sen. Santarsiero, Rep. Davis, Gov. Wolf, Ralph DiGuiseppe and the Redevelopment Authority of Bucks County for recognizing the value of what we do.”

El RACP es un programa de subvenciones de la Commonwealth administrado por la Oficina de Presupuestos para la adquisición y construcción de proyectos regionales de mejora económica, cultural, cívica, recreativa e histórica. Los proyectos RACP tienen un impacto regional o multijurisdiccional y generan aumentos sustanciales o mantienen los niveles actuales de empleo, ingresos fiscales u otras medidas de actividad económica. Los proyectos RACP son proyectos financiados por el Estado que no pueden obtener financiación primaria a través de otros programas estatales. 

To learn more about RACP projects and grants, visit the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget website

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El senador Santarsiero y el representante Davis consiguen un millón de dólares para el edificio de servicios de emergencia de la compañía de bomberos de Croydon 

BUCKS COUNTY – Octubre 26, 2022 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Tina Davis (D-141) announced $1 million in state funds from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) will go to the Croydon Fire Company for the construction of a new Emergency Services Building.

“I’d like to thank Governor Wolf for supporting our request to dedicate RACP funds for the Croydon Fire Co Emergency Services Building project, which will provide the fire company a modern facility from which to serve the community,” said Sen. Santarsiero.  “The upgraded space will streamline fire station operations, ensuring the volunteers of the Croydon Fire Company have the resources they need to respond to community emergencies safely and efficiently.”

“I am proud to work with Senator Santarsiero to bring this critical funding back to our district,” Rep. Davis said. “This $1 million in grant money will help expand and renovate the Croydon Fire Company’s Emergency Services Building. The renovated building’s upgraded operations will enable its firefighters to more quickly get to residents in danger.  This is literally life-saving funding and I thank Governor Wolf for approving its allocation.”

The renovation will be a two phased project. The first phase will entail the demolition of the existing building and site work. Phase two will be the construction of the new building. The new building will contain an engine room, an enhanced decontamination area for equipment, office space, and living quarters.

“Our organization is a completely volunteer fire company that serves a very challenging area, protecting residents, schools, and businesses between an industrial chemical plant, three major highways, and the Delaware River,” said Croydon Fire Company President Bob Struble.  “This funding is crucial to allowing us to make the necessary improvements to our station to meet these challenges. We are grateful to Sen. Santarsiero and Rep. Tina Davis for the incredible efforts.”    

El RACP es un programa de subvenciones de la Commonwealth administrado por la Oficina de Presupuestos para la adquisición y construcción de proyectos regionales de mejora económica, cultural, cívica, recreativa e histórica. Los proyectos RACP tienen un impacto regional o multijurisdiccional y generan aumentos sustanciales o mantienen los niveles actuales de empleo, ingresos fiscales u otras medidas de actividad económica. Los proyectos RACP son proyectos financiados por el Estado que no pueden obtener financiación primaria a través de otros programas estatales. 

To learn more about RACP projects and grants, visit the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget website

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Senator Santarsiero, Representatives Davis and Warren, Promote Child Custody Bill 

NEWTOWN − Octubre 4, 2019 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), state Representatives Tina Davis (D-141) and Perry Warren (D-31), and family members of the late Kayden Mancuso, held a press call this afternoon to discuss SB 868, and the companion House Bill, also known as “Kayden’s Law.” 

Kayden Mancuso, a seven-year-old of Lower Makefield Township, was killed in Agosto of 2018 by her biological father during a court-ordered, unsupervised visit granted following a year-long custody dispute. The bill is named in Kayden’s honor, as the Bucks County legislators have been working closely with members of her family in creating this legislation to prevent other families from experiencing the same horrific loss. 

Kayden’s Law will provide children in the family court system with greater legal protections by adding to the evidence judges must consider in making custody and visitation decisions, establishing an evidentiary hearing to thoroughly vet allegations of abuse, and urging the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts to implement an ongoing, evidence-based training program for judges and other relevant court personnel regarding child abuse and domestic violence, which is crucial for those whose decision-making affects potentially life and death scenarios every day. 

“It is our greatest responsibility as legislators to protect the health and well-being of our children,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “Right now, Pennsylvania is not doing enough to ensure that children going through custody proceedings in our family courts are protected. Parental rights should not outweigh the safety of the children involved, especially in cases where evidence of abuse or unstable behavior are so prevalent.” 

“As a lawmaker, I am deeply concerned by how the courts are failing our children by ignoring warning signs and, as a result, putting them in harm’s way,” said Rep. Davis. “We are long overdue for serious reforms to the current system and this legislation takes a big step toward addressing these issues and, hopefully, will save lives.” 

“Kayden’s family’s remarkable courage, persistence…and love has led to the introduction of Kayden’s Law, which will ensure that the health and safety of the child is the first priority in custody proceedings,” said Rep. Warren. 

The legislators were joined on the press call by members of Kayden’s family who have been vocal advocates for stronger protections for children involved in domestic custody disputes. Following Kayden’s death, the family launched Kayden’s Korner in her memory, with the mission “to affect judicial reform of the family court system through the education of government to the signs of domestic abuse, shine a light on the impact of mental illness and lobby government to make the health and safety of children the singular concern of the court system.” 

“It’s so encouraging to have this support. I think we all realize going forward that there’s much, much more to do,” said Thomas Giglio, Kayden’s maternal grandfather. 

“I want to thank Senator Santarsiero, Representative Warren, and Representative Davis. We wouldn’t be here without you,” said Brian Sherlock, Kayden’s stepfather. “Everything we do here is bittersweet. I wish we didn’t have to be here. We won’t stop until this becomes law here in Pennsylvania and across the country. I think that if this bill was in place last Agosto, Kayden would still be here.” 

To further address the issue of child custody in Pennsylvania, the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, co-chaired by Senator Santarsiero, will be holding a policy hearing on Jueves Octubre 17th. The hearing will focus on SB 868, with an agenda forthcoming. 

The meeting will begin at 11:00 am and conclude at 1:00 pm at the Lower Makefield Township Community Center, 1550 Oxford Valley Road, in Yardley, Pennsylvania. This meeting is open to the public and the press. 

A link to Senator Santarsiero’s legislation, SB 868, can be found here. View the full bill analysis here

A link to Representatives Davis and Warren’s co-sponsorship memo can be found here

A link to Kayden’s Korner can be found here

Sen. Santarsiero has district offices in Doylestown and Newtown and can be reached via email at SenatorSantarsiero@pasenate.com. Visit his website at www.senatorstevesantarsiero.com

Rep. Davis has a district office in Levittown. Visit her website at http://www.pahouse.com/Davis.  

Rep. Warren has a district office in Yardley. Visit his website at https://www.pahouse.com/Warren

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