Senator Santarsiero and Representative Brennan Announce $464,758 for Solebury Township Trail Project

March 17, 2023- BUCKS COUNTY, PA – Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Tim Brennan (D-29) announced today $464,758 in state funding to complete the Solebury Gateway Trail in Solebury Township.

The award is a state Multimodal Transportation Fund grant through the Commonwealth Financing Authority, which will be used for trail construction and intersection upgrades along the 1.6 mile Solebury Gateway Trail, between Kitchens Lane and Sugan Road.  The Solebury Gateway Trail runs along Route 202, Lower York Road and River Road, and allows access to Canal Park along the Delaware Canal.

“This project is a decade and a half in the making, having first been planned and engineered in 2008,” said Senator Santarsiero.  “I am pleased to see these funds allocated for this project, which will make it possible to move ahead and improve the recreational opportunities in the area and allow all to enjoy the beauty of Solebury Township.”

Representative Brennan said, “Creating recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy is an investment in our future. This state grant will help make it possible to complete a long-awaited project. I’m looking forward to enjoying the trail with my family when it’s completed!”

“Completion of the Gateway Trail has long been a top priority in Solebury Township,” said Solebury Township Board of Supervisors Chair Mark Baum Baicker. “We are so appreciative of the efforts of Senator Santarsiero and Representative Brennan, because until we were notified that we would be receiving these funds, we were not certain we could turn this vision into a reality.” 

For more information about the Commonwealth Financing Authority and Multimodal Transportation Fund grants visit the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development website.

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Senator Santarsiero and Representative Warren Announce State Funding to Improve Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety in Newtown Borough

March 17, 2023- BUCKS COUNTY, PA – Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Perry Warren (D-31) announced today $192,594 in state funding for pedestrian and cyclist safety improvements along Frost Lane in Newtown Borough.

The award is a state Multimodal Transportation Fund grant through the Commonwealth Financing Authority, which will be used to construct 1,230 linear feet of sidewalk to provide shared bicycle and pedestrian spaces on Frost Lane and the borough’s sidewalk network.

“This project will increase the mobility of walkers and runners by expanding the Borough’s existing sidewalk network, better connecting Frost Lane residents to the businesses in the Borough,” said Senator Santarsiero.  “I was happy to advocate for this grant for Newtown Borough and look forward to seeing these improvements implemented as part of the Borough’s continued efforts to advance pedestrian and cyclist safety.”

“I live near Frost Lane, and I have seen firsthand both how widely used the road is by pedestrians and bicyclists and how treacherous it can be. Thanks to this state grant, safety, and quality of life for cyclists, pedestrians, and, well, everyone in the area will be improved,” said Representative Warren. “Congratulations to Newtown Borough Council on this award; their commitment and hard work pays off for the entire community and beyond.”

Newtown Borough Council President Tara Grunde-McLaughlin added, “We are grateful to have been identified for this grant distribution, and I hope it yields wonderful results for the Borough.”

For more information about the Commonwealth Financing Authority and Multimodal Transportation Fund grants visit the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development website.

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DCNR Celebrates Completion of Work to Preserve Structures at Washington Crossing Historic Park in Bucks County

Washington Crossing, PA – Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today visited Washington Crossing Historic Park to celebrate completion of an $8.7 million project to preserve and improve 17 historic and other structures at the park in Bucks County.

“Protecting the cultural and historical significance of these buildings at Washington Crossing is integral to continuing the site’s historic legacy,” Dunn said. “This park has immense value in educating the public and enriching experiences related to the birth of this nation. We are grateful to the Department of General Services for supporting this project on public lands and look forward to seeing the impact the renovations will have for years to come.”

The 500-acre park that lies along the Delaware River preserves the site of George Washington’s dramatic boat crossing during the American Revolution. A National Historic Landmark, it has an upper and a lower section. Together they include historic buildings that provides context and insight into living conditions during the Revolutionary era.

“The Department of General Services strives to ensure that the agencies we work for, and with, are able to realize their goals and desires when it comes to the projects that we manage for them,” said Mike Hudzik, Director of Capital Projects Construction for the Pennsylvania Department of General Services. “Thanks to our collaborative efforts with DCNR, we were able to assist them in restoring and creating an appealing, relaxing and educational outdoor space for those who live in and visit Bucks County.

The following buildings were included in the project:

  • McConkey’s Ferry Inn: new roof, window and door restoration, masonry, HVAC, exterior;
  • Mahlon Taylor residence: new roof, window and door restoration, interior, exterior;
  • Amos Taylor residence: new roof, window and door restoration, electric, exterior;
  • Frederick Taylor House: window and door restoration, plumbing, exterior;
  • Elmer Buckman residence: new roof, window and door restoration, electric, exterior;
  • Eliza Taylor residence: new roof, window and door restoration, interior, exterior;
  • Hibbs House: new roof; window and door restoration, masonry, plumbing, interior, exterior;
  • Frye House: new roof, window and door restoration, interior, exterior;
  • Andrassy House: new roof, window and door restoration, interior, exterior;
  • Taylorsville General Store: new roof, window and door restoration, interior, exterior;
  • Oliver Taylor residence:  new roof, window and door restoration, exterior;
  • Thompson Neely House: new roof, window and door restoration, masonry, HVAC, exterior;
  • Thompson Neely Restroom: plumbing, electric, interior;
  • Blacksmith Shop: new roof, exterior;
  • General Washington Pavilion: new roof, masonry repairs;
  • General Washington Bathhouse: new plumbing; and
  • Bowman’s Hill Tower: parking lot and road improvements.

Attendance at Washington Crossing Historic Park was nearly 686,000 visits in 2021, which remains higher than pre-pandemic levels. Washington Crossing became Pennsylvania’s 121st state park in February 2016 when it was transferred to DCNR from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

“The project, which rehabilitated 17 historic and other structures throughout the park, has been a long time coming and I am thrilled to celebrate its completion today,” state Senator Steve Santarsiero said. “This project would not have been possible without the persistence and hard work of the Friends of Washington Crossing, who came to me nearly four years ago when this project was in jeopardy due to a lack of funding. I was happy to work with DGS and DCNR to help find the additional funds needed to preserve these buildings that help tell the story of a critical part of our nation’s history for generations to come.”

Opportunities for recreation at Washington Crossing include river access for fishing; walking trails; and pavilions for picnicking.  The park and the Friends of Washington Crossing provide historical and environmental education programs, as well as hosting special events and re-enactments.

“By improving the historical buildings at Washington Crossing Historic Park, this project enhances both the Park and the Washington Crossing residential and business district,” State Representative Perry Warren said.

Find more information about Washington Crossing and all of Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks on the DCNR website.

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Senator Santarsiero, Representative Davis Announce $255,000 for Bristol Township Watershed Restoration

BUCKS COUNTY  September 23, 2022 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and State Representative Tina Davis (D-141) announced today that Bristol Township will receive $255,000 in state funding for a watershed restoration project.

The project will improve the existing swales along Mill Creek near Plumbridge Drive in the township, helping to combat erosion of the existing swales and prevent the flow of sediment into the creek.

“Vegetated bioswales are an environmentally-friendly way to manage stormwater runoff and protect water quality in our local creeks,” said Sen. Santarsiero.  “Solutions like what Bristol Township is implementing here will preserve our natural resources while strengthening our infrastructure to combat increasingly severe weather.”

Bristol Township Manager Randee Elton described the project, noting, “With this funding, the Township has the opportunity to implement stormwater projects in an effort to reduce sediment in our waterways.  The focus area is along the wooded section of Mill Creek adjacent to the Plumbridge Drive. The existing swales exhibit signs of severe erosion occurring and lacks vegetation which allows sediment to flow directly into Mill Creek. The proposed installation of vegetated swales will improve Mill Creek to protect water quality, promote groundwater recharge, and provide a reduction of pollutants to the waterways.”

“This state grant award will help implement the Plumbridge BMP Vegetated Bioswales project in Bristol Township whose goal is to reduce runoff and ensure that it is cleaner and better for the environment,” Davis said. “As we are affected by increasingly violent storms due to climate change, we must be innovative and resourceful in our approaches to mitigating their impact on our communities.  This money will help us implement one such innovation in Bristol Township’s infrastructure.”

Council President Craig Bowen said, “The Township of Bristol is committed to preserving its natural resources and with the acceptance of this grant funding we are one step closer to that goal.”

For more information on the Watershed Restoration and Protection Program, visit the DCED website.

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Senator Santarsiero Secures $686,000 for Doylestown Township Multi-Use Trail Expansion 

BUCKS COUNTY – November 19, 2021 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), along with state Representative Shelby Labs (R-143) today announced the award of $686,000 in Commonwealth funds for the expansion of a multi-use trail originating in Central Park in Doylestown Township.  The New Britain Road Trail will be built out to Warden Road, growing the already existing 4.77 miles of trails in the park.

“During the pandemic we have seen record numbers of people choosing the outdoors for recreation and activity, placing additional emphasis on the need for access to multi-use trails in our area,” said Sen. Santarsiero.  “I am proud to secure these funds, to provide recreational, environmental and economic benefit to Doylestown Township’s residents and visitors.”

“Expanding the New Britain Road Trail will not only provide exponential outdoor activity opportunities for our community, but it will serve as a key piece of our infrastructure acting as another form of transportation, safely connecting people to our parks and schools,” said Rep. Labs.

“We are very pleased to receive this grant. It will afford us the opportunity to add ½ mile to our existing 30 mile trail network in Doylestown Township,” said Barbara Lyons, Chairman of the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors.  “This ½ mile is an important segment that will connect residents along New Britain Road to the existing wider trail along the Route 611 corridor to Central Park and Harts Woods; this segment is also part of larger trail plan that will eventually connect to the Pools Corner Park and Ride lot. We thank our Doylestown Community Bike and Hike Committee for their work in planning our trails and we thank Senator Santarsiero for securing these funds to construct this important link in our trail system.”

Sen. Santarsiero continued, “Doylestown Township residents have access through the extensive trail network to neighborhoods and developments as walkers, runners and cyclists.  The expansion of the New Britain Road Trail will provide additional access and pathways to further expand the trail network and bring additional communities together.”

For more information about the Commonwealth Financing Authority and Multimodal Transportation Fund grants visit the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development website.

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Senator Santarsiero, Representative Polinchock Announce nearly $250,000 in State Grants for Chalfont Borough Trail Project

BUCKS COUNTY – April 21, 2021 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and state Representative Todd Polinchock (R-144) announced the award of $249,971 in state funds to Chalfont Borough from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program.   

Chalfont Borough will use the grant to fund the construction of a multi-use trail along the west bank of the North Branch of the Neshaminy Creek.  The trail will be 8 feet wide and will extend .5 miles long, connecting multiple neighborhoods along Lindenfield Parkway.  The trail will also provide a sidewalk leading to the SEPTA train station in Chalfont Borough. 

“I proudly supported this project, as it will provide opportunities for walking, biking and other recreation, while bringing the community closer together along one of the most scenic waterways in the area,” said Sen. Santarsiero.   

“Our community here in Chalfont is well deserving of this grant to support and build a walking and biking trail. I’m thrilled to see the benefits of this trail which will play out for generations,” said Rep. Todd Polinchock. 

Act 13 Program Funds come from the Commonwealth Financing Authority for statewide initiatives that include abandoned mine drainage abatement, abandoned well plugging, sewage treatment, greenways, trails and recreation, baseline water quality data, watershed restoration, and flood control.  For more information about Act 13 Programs, visit the DCED website.

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Senator Santarsiero, Representative Polinchock Announce Award of $480,000 to New Britain Borough for Transportation Improvements

BUCKS COUNTY – April 21, 2021 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and state Representative Todd Polinchock (R-144) announced the award of $480,000 in Multimodal Transportation Grant funds to New Britain Borough through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

The grant will fund construction for a .25 mile stretch of sidewalk and a pedestrian bridge between Cedar Drive and Shady Retreat Road, which will increase walkability and provide alternative transportation.

“The addition of the sidewalk and pedestrian bridge in New Britain Borough will not only provide recreation but will also help with local economic development for the businesses in the borough,” said Sen. Santarsiero.  “Most impressively, when this section is complete, residents can bike or walk from Doylestown Borough all the way to New Britain Township by utilizing various trails, one of the many reasons I supported the award of funding for this project.”

“This grant is so important to continue making our New Britain community a beautiful place to live and support our parks and local small businesses,” said Rep. Polinchock.

Multimodal transportation fund grants encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth. For more information about the Multimodal Transportation Fund Grants, visit the DCED website.

 

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Senator Santarsiero Announces $225 Million Grant Program for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 and An Additional $200,000 in Awards to Local Businesses Through COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program

BUCKS COUNTY – June 9, 2020 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced $225 million in grant programs for small businesses impacted by COVID-19.  The money originated from the federal CARES Act, and was allocated through the recently passed state budget.  The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) will distribute the funds to the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), which will then administer the funding in the form of grants.

Eligible businesses will be able to use the grants to cover operating expenses as they transition to re-opening, and for technical assistance including training and guidance for business owners as they stabilize and relaunch their businesses.

“As all sectors of our economy begin to re-open, these grants will provide necessary resources to aid our small businesses and ease the transition for business owners,” said Sen. Santarsiero.  “As guidance becomes available on how businesses can apply for these grants, I look forward to sharing that information with our small business owners and working closely with local CDFIs to ensure businesses here in Bucks County receive the support they need.”

Sen. Santarsiero also announced the award of $200,000 to two businesses in his district from the Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program (CWCA).  Curtin and Heefner, located in Lower Makefield Township, and Well of Life Center for Natural Health, located in Doylestown, each received the maximum amount of $100,000 through this program.  This was the final round of CWCA funding, as the state moves toward re-opening. 

“I am pleased that this final round of CWCA funding has brought an additional $200,000 to two businesses in my district, bringing the total amount of funds received in the 10th district to $1.4 million,” said Sen. Santarsiero.  “With this last round of funding, businesses are continuing to receive critical support as we move into the yellow phase of re-opening.  While this program is winding down, the positive effects on these businesses will continue to be felt as they transition into the yellow phase of re-opening.”

The CWCA Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) and provides critical working capital financing to small businesses located within the Commonwealth that are adversely impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.  For more information on the CWCA program, visit the DCED website.

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Senator Santarsiero Announces $375,000 in Awards to Local Businesses Through COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program

BUCKS COUNTY – April 27, 2020 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced the award of $375,000 to four businesses in his district from Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program (CWCA).

J.B. Kimmel & Company located in Sellersville Borough, Kalaimagal Corporation located in Falls Township, and Curious Kids Inc in New Britain Township each received $100,000, which is the maximum amount that can be paid through this program.  Maryanne Pastry Shoppe, Inc. in Doylestown Borough received $75,000.  

“I am thrilled to see four businesses in my district receive these much needed funds through the CWCA program,” said Sen. Santarsiero.  “There is still much more that needs to be done to help our local businesses.  I hope to see additional funds from the state and federal governments quickly made available to businesses in need.” 

The CWCA Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) and provides critical working capital financing to small businesses located within the Commonwealth that are adversely impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.  For more information on the CWCA program, visit the DCED website.

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Senator Santarsiero Announces Funding For Accessible Housing Program 

HARRISBURG − February 26, 2019  − Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County Inc. was awarded $150,000 in state funding for accessible housing improvements for qualifying low income residents with a disability through the Keystone Communities program, according to Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10). 

The funding will support the implementation of an accessible housing program that provides necessary modifications to the homes of 24 people across the county. 

“Everyone deserves the right to live in safe, accessible housing,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “I will be working closely with advocacy groups, government agencies, the business community and developers to achieve that goal.”

The Keystone Communities program is administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and is designed to support local initiatives that grow and stabilize neighborhoods and communities, encourage the creation of partnerships between the public and private sectors in the community, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents. 

For more information on the state’s commitment to community development and revitalization, visit the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) website.  

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