September 16, 2024
BUCKS COUNTY – September 16, 2024 — State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced $5,000,418 in state funds benefitting the 10th Senate District were awarded through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).
Five Local Law Enforcement Support Grants will benefit four police departments in the 10th District:
- Falls Township will receive $204,650 for its Bucks County Human Services Co-Responder Program, as well as $99,105 for Pathfinder software integration;
- Central Bucks Regional Police Department will receive $162,467 for National Incident-Based Reporting System;
- Lower Makefield Township will receive $51,573 for National Incident-Based Reporting System; and
- Yardley Borough will receive $46,735 for National Incident-Based Reporting System compliance.
“Our communities are safest when our local police departments have the funding necessary to do their job,” said Senator Santarsiero. “Each of these awards will enable our local police to respond to calls safely, efficiently and effectively.”
Rep. Jim Prokopiak (D-140), who represents Falls Township, said, “As a former Falls Township Supervisor, I know how important these grants are to local police departments. I thank Governor Shapiro and the PCCD for their investments in Falls township and in Bucks County.”
Of the funding for Yardley Borough and Lower Makefield Township, both in House District 31, Rep. Perry Warren (D-31) said, “These grants will allow our police departments to improve services through upgraded systems, technology and data.”
Rep. Tim Brennan (D-29) represents the municipalities served by the Central Bucks Regional Police Department. Rep. Brennan said, “I’m heartened by PCCD’s consistent efforts to make sure local police departments and organizations that provide services to victims have the funding they need to operate effectively. Since taking office, I’ve been working closely with law enforcement agencies across our region to learn what they need and use my position to pursue solutions. Programs like this that provide resources to municipal police forces and related agencies helps to lessen the burden on the PA State Police.”
Organizations supporting crime victims in the 10th district will receive significant funding, including:
- Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) will receive $125,000 in STOP Violence Against Women Act funding, $1,299,520 for Victims of Crime Act support, as well as $190,000 for a statewide crisis response project;
- A Woman’s Place will receive $672,985 in funding to support services for domestic violence victims;
- Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania will receive $535,140 for legal services for domestic abuse victims; and
- SeniorLAW Center will receive $1,454,913 to support its programming to help elder victims.
“Unfortunately, there are far too many victims of crime right here in our community,” said Senator Santarsiero. “We are fortunate to have NOVA and A Woman’s Place working to exclusively help residents of Bucks County, as well as legal providers like Legal Aid and SeniorLAW Center serving the broader region. The advocacy and dedication of these organizations serves a critical role in assisting some of our most vulnerable residents when they need it most.”
In addition, Bucks County will receive $143,37 for its jail based Vivitrol Program and $14,959 to develop a 2024 Bucks County Reentry Strategic Plan.
The 10th Senate District includes Bristol Borough, Bristol Township, Buckingham Township, Chalfont Borough, Doylestown Borough, Doylestown Township, Falls Township, Lower Makefield Township, Morrisville Borough, New Britain Borough, New Britain Township, New Hope Borough, Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, Plumstead Township, Solebury Township, Tullytown Borough, Upper Makefield Township and Yardley Borough.
June 13, 2023
BUCKS COUNTY – Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) today announced $616,000 in state funds were awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to combat substance use disorders and reduce incarceration in Bucks County.
- Child and Family Focus, Inc: $200,000
- The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania: $200,000
- Bucks County Restrictive Probation Program: $216,000
The funding for Child and Family Services and The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania is a disbursement of State Opioid Response Funds to benefit Bucks County residents with substance use disorders. State Opioid Response Funds support drug courts, Medication Assisted Treatment, Naloxone for first responders and evidence-based prevention programs.
“The opioid epidemic touches every corner of our community, and we must do more to help those who are suffering from substance use disorders,” said Senator Santarsiero. “These organizations do great work treating those in need in our community and I am pleased these state funds are supporting programs to benefit our residents in Bucks County.”
The funding for Bucks County is from Intermediate Punishment Treatment Program funds and will support the county’s Restrictive Probation Program. The program is a sentencing alternative for non-violent offenders in lieu of incarceration.
“Probation is an effective alternative to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders and Bucks County has an impressive program in place,” Senator Santarsiero continued. “These funds will help the county continue its work supporting individuals on probation, setting them on a path toward positive behavioral change.”
Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia said, “As a board member of PCCD I was very happy to see these awards were made.”
Child and Family Focus Inc. is a non-profit mental health agency serving children and youth primarily in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh and Northampton, and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania. Additional information about Child and Family Focus can be found on their website.
The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania is a private non-profit prevention, education, advocacy, assessment, intervention, and recovery support organization, serving the counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery & Philadelphia. Additional information about The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania can be found on their website.
For additional information on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency visit the PCCD website.
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March 16, 2023
March 17, 2023- BUCKS COUNTY, PA– Today, Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Tim Brennan (D-29) announced a total of $1,193,959 in state funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Local Share Account Statewide Program for community improvement projects based in Doylestown and Solebury townships.
The projects and the awarded amounts are as follows:
- Bucks County: $1,000,000 for Neshaminy Manor Property Improvements
- Solebury Township: $193,959 for Intersection Upgrades at Route 202 and Lower Mountain Road
Bucks County will use the funds for the construction and engineering costs involved with the demolition of the former Neshaminy Manor structure in Doylestown Township and hazardous materials abatement at the site. Since closing its doors in 1999, Neshaminy Manor has been left vacant due to the level of deterioration and presence of hazardous building materials within the structure.
“The economic potential of this property has been stalled for more than twenty years now,” said Senator Santarsiero. “Finally, because of these funds, the county will be able to move forward and welcome new growth on this valuable property.”
“This is such a critically important grant and I speak for all 3 commissioners with gratitude,” said Diane Ellis-Marseglia, Vice-Chair of the Bucks County Board of Commissioners. “This building has become an eyesore, cannot be restored, and it blocks any economic development or improvements in that area. The County would not have been able to tackle this project without help from Senators Santarsiero and Representative Brennan.”
The funds for Solebury Township will go toward improving traffic conditions and safety at the intersection of Route 202 and Lower Mountain Road, adjacent to Aquetong Spring Park. The upgrades include widening Route 202 to three lanes and creating a left-turn median lane.
Senator Santarsiero said, “These funds will provide safer access to Aquetong Spring Park, reduce traffic delays, and improve connectivity in the area. I fully supported Solebury Township’s application for this grant and I am happy to announce these funds have been awarded. These improvements will help Solebury continue to be a thriving community for all those who live and work there.”
Mark Baum Baicker, Chair of Solebury Township Board of Supervisors expressed his appreciation for the funding saying, “This grant for intersection improvement will go a long way toward helping Solebury Township accomplish our goal of increased pedestrian and motorist safety in the area around Aquetong Spring Park. We are grateful to Senator Santarsiero and Representative Brennan for their efforts in obtaining these needed funds.”
“Improvements to roads, buildings, and recreational opportunities are investments in our future,” said Representative Brennan. “These state grants will make it possible to complete long-needed projects that will enhance safety, quality of life, and recreational opportunities in our district. I am excited for the work to begin.”
The funds come from the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. They support a variety of community projects and can be used for any project that serves the public interest and improves the quality of life for members of the community.
For more information on the Local Share Account Statewide Program, visit the DCED website.
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February 10, 2023
BUCKS COUNTY– Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced $328,117.66 today in grants for fire companies and EMS units in the 10th district. These awards are from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner and are offered annually for a wide variety of projects relating to equipment, training, debt reduction, and more.
“It is critical that we support our fire companies and EMS workers, who keep our loved ones safe every day by putting themselves on the front lines,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “Our communities are a safer and better place as a result of these brave men and women. This funding will help ensure that they have the resources they need to continue their vital work.”
The grand awards in the 10th district are as follows:
- America Hose Hook and Ladder Company- $13,580.66
- Bristol Consolidated Volunteer Fire Co- $13,826.29
- Bristol Township Fire District- $14,071.92
- Bristol Vol CPNY Number 6- $13,580.66
- Bucks County Rescue Squad- $10,000
- Central Bucks Ambulance & Rescue Unit- $6,088
- Chalfont Chemical Fire Engine Company No 1- $15,000
- Chalfont Emergency Medical Service Inc- $10,000
- Croydon Fire Co No 1- $15,000
- Edgely Fire Co No 1 Inc- $15,000
- Fairless Hills Volunteer Fire Co- $15,000
- Levittown Fairless Hills Rescue Squad Inc-$10,000
- Levittown Fire Company Number 1- $14,808.81
- Midway Volunteer Fire Co- $15,000
- Morrisville Fire Company- $14,317.55
- New Hope Eagle Fire Company- $15,000
- Newtown American Legion Ambulance Squad Inc- $10,000
- Newtown Fire Association- $15,000
- Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Co- $15,000
- Point Pleasant Plumsteadville EMS- $10,000
- Third District Fire Company 1- $15,000
- Tullytown Fire Company- $12,843.77
- Upper Makefield Fire Co- $15,000
- Yardley Makefield Emergency Unit- $10,000
- Yardley Makefield Fire Company- $15,000
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April 21, 2021
BUCKS COUNTY – April 21, 2021 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and state Representative Perry Warren (D-31) announced today the award of Multimodal Transportation Fund Grants to Lower Makefield Township, Newtown Township and Yardley Borough. Lower Makefield Township will receive $353,000, Newtown Township will receive $227,000 and Yardley Borough will receive $95,000 in funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
“These funding awards are an important opportunity to make improvements to our local transportation infrastructure while providing economic benefits to our communities,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “I enthusiastically supported all of these applications, which will hep residents enjoy the outdoors and drive traffic in our thriving boroughs.”
“Bikepath, trail, sidewalk – these CFA grants support local projects that enhance our health, our safety and our quality of life. And, these projects provide recreational opportunities and benefits to residents and businesses in all our communities,” said Rep. Warren.
Lower Makefield Township will use the funds for its Woodside Road bike path project, which will run from Makefield Highlands Golf Course to Taylorsville Road, and connect to a new path on Woodside Road. The bike path ultimately provide bicycle and pedestrian access to Scudder Falls Bridge.
“This bike path will be a welcome addition to Lower Makefield Township, providing increased access and safety for cyclists along Woodside Road,” continued Sen. Santarsiero.
The funds to Newtown Township will be used for the second phase of construction of a multi-use trail along Lower Dolington Road. The first phase of the trail was funded through the same grant program and was awarded in 2019.
Of the Newtown project, Sen. Santarsiero said, “The second phase of the multi-use trail along Lower Dolington Road will improve recreational opportunities for walkers and cyclists to safely enjoy the outdoors, benefit the health of our residents and keeping our residents safe.”
The Yardley Borough project will construct approximately 1,200 linear feet of concrete sidewalk along the northern side of North Main Street. The project will also include related stormwater and pedestrian facility improvements.
“Yardley Borough is home to many restaurants and businesses right along North Main Street. Construction of the sidewalk in this area will help customers access these shops, helping our local economy continue to grow and thrive,” said Sen. Santarsiero.
Rep Warren continued, “Senator Santarsiero and I have advocated for these grants, as they represent the state’s commitment to partner with community leaders on pedestrian and cyclist access and safety and the corresponding recreational and economic benefits to our communities.”
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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August 17, 2020
BUCKS COUNTY – August 17, 2020 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced two municipalities in his district will receive a total of $700,000 through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) H2O PA Water Supply, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Water Projects Program. Chalfont Borough will receive $300,000 for improvements to its storm sewer replacement project and Doylestown Township Municipal Authority (DTMA) will receive $400,000 for its project to interconnect the DTMA and Delaware Valley University water systems.
“The funding awards for these programs will help the environment, improve our economic development opportunities and protect the health of residents,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “I enthusiastically urged DCED to provide these critical funds to our community, which will help fund much needed local improvements to our water and storm sewer infrastructure.”
Chalfont Borough will use the funds to rehabilitate its stormwater system, making critical changes to fix an aging system. DTMA’s project will regionalize and consolidate two water systems, interconnecting the system currently serving Doylestown Township, New Britain Borough and Plumstead Township with the Delaware Valley University water system, improving access to public water.
H2O PA Water Supply, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Water project grants seek to help municipalities or municipal authorities with the construction or drinking water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer projects.
For more information on DCED’s H2O PA Water Supply, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Water Projects Program, visit the DCED website.
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December 19, 2019
BUCKS COUNTY – December 19, 2019 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced the award of $118,892 in grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to Middle Bucks Institute of Technology and Bucks County Technical High School each for $50,000, as well as $18,892 to Upper Bucks County Technical School. The grant awards will be used for the purchase of new equipment to provide hands-on training to students in high-demand occupations, specifically focusing on the needs of local employers.
“Investments in our Career and Technical Education programs are vital to ensuring a diverse and well-trained workforce,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “We are fortunate to have three technical schools serving Bucks County residents and I, along with my Senate colleagues from the county, look forward to seeing the impact of these grants on the job opportunities afforded our area students.”
Middle Bucks Institute of Technology is located in Jamison, PA and serves 800 daytime students from Centennial, Central Bucks, Council Rock, and New Hope-Solebury School Districts, as well as 500 adult learners. For more information about the school and programs, visit their website.
Bucks County Technical High School is located in Fairless Hills, PA and serves 1,500 students from Pennsbury, Neshaminy, Bensalem Township, Bristol Borough and Township, and Morrisville Borough School Districts, and adult learners through both day and evening programs. For more information about the school and programs, visit their website.
Upper Bucks County Technical High School is located in Perkasie, PA and offers twenty-one programs to students in grades 9 through 12 from Pennridge, Quakertown, and Palisades School Districts, in addition to its adult education program. For more information about the school and programs, visit their website.
For more information on the various grant opportunities through the Pennsylvania Department of Education, visit their website.
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