January 17, 2020
BUCKS COUNTY — January 17, 2020 — State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced the award of $118,200 in funding to the Bucks County Workforce Development Board (BCWDB) as part of the Department of Labor and Industry’s (L&I) Business-Education Partnership (BEP) grant awards, which allocated a total of $2.4 million through 19 grants. The purpose of these partnerships is to bring schools and employers together in providing opportunities for students to prepare for the workforce.
“The Bucks County Workforce Development Board continues to do outstanding work in growing our local industries through cultivating the very best talent,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “This additional funding will help the BCWDB provide even more opportunities for its students, and for employers in search of local, skilled workers.”
The mission of the BCWDB is “to promote, drive, and ensure an effective workforce in Bucks County aligned with economic development.”
“The Career Exploration and Employability Skills project will serve Bucks County in school youth and Bucks County business by preparing Bucks County students for tomorrow’s opportunities. Our goal is to increase awareness and opportunities for students and educators of career paths specifically in manufacturing, healthcare and other in-demand industries in our county,” said Billie Barnes, Director of the Bucks County Workforce Development Board. “This funding will support projects that will build stronger connections between young people and local employers, giving students the skills they need to succeed and providing businesses with a job-ready workforce.”
To learn more about the BCWDB, visit their website.
To learn about funding opportunities through L&I, visit their website.
Sen. Steve Santarsiero represents the 10th Senatorial District, which includes: Bedminster Township, Buckingham Township, Chalfont, Doylestown, Doylestown Township, Dublin, East Rockhill Township, Falls Township, Haycock Township, Hilltown Township, Lower Makefield Township, Morrisville, New Britain, New Britain Township, New Hope, Newtown, Newtown Township, Perkasie, Plumstead Township, Sellersville, Silverdale, Solebury Township, Telford, Tullytown, Upper Makefield Township, West Rockhill Township, and Yardley.
January 7, 2020
BUCKS COUNTY − January 7, 2020 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced the award of $3,000 in grant funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Ag & Youth Grant Program to Penn State University to host the Bucks County 4-H (Head, Heart, Hands, Health) Animal and Veterinary Science Clinic.
“Time and again, 4-H has proven that they do, in fact, make the best better,” said Senator Santarsiero. “The qualities that 4-H embodies are essential for the good of our children and our communities. I am happy to see 4-H’ers continuing the proud agricultural legacy of Bucks County.”
A 6-week intensive course for experiential learning and interaction with professionals, the Bucks County 4-H Animal and Veterinary Science Clinic is an opportunity for Bucks County youths to explore their interest in animals with experts in the field.
Bucks County 4-H, operated via Penn State Extension, is located in Doylestown Township and serves youths in Bucks County aged 8-18 who have an interest in citizenship, agricultural and veterinary sciences, technology, healthy living, engineering, and technology. In addition, 4-H hosts School Enrichment programs for grades 3-8, offers summer programs covering a variety of topics, and provides scholarship opportunities to members. For more information on Bucks County 4-H, please visit their website.
For more information on various grant opportunities available through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, please visit their website.
Sen. Steve Santarsiero represents the 10th Senatorial District, which includes: Bedminster Township, Buckingham Township, Chalfont, Doylestown, Doylestown Township, Dublin, East Rockhill Township, Falls Township, Haycock Township, Hilltown Township, Lower Makefield Township, Morrisville, New Britain, New Britain Township, New Hope, Newtown, Newtown Township, Perkasie, Plumstead Township, Sellersville, Silverdale, Solebury Township, Telford, Tullytown, Upper Makefield Township, West Rockhill Township, and Yardley.
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January 7, 2020
BUCKS COUNTY − January 7, 2020 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced the approval of $18,000 in tax credit funding to the Bucks County Opportunity Council (BCOC), through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), to support its Economic Self-Sufficiency (ES) Program. The program offers an individualized and holistic approach to helping people achieve economic stability through education and employment.
“The work of BCOC is vital to helping low income families across Bucks County achieve economic self-sufficiency,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “This funding will enable BCOC to bring on an additional self-sufficiency coach to serve even more families in need, which helps strengthen the program’s participants and our community as a whole.”
“BCOC is happy to receive our first NAP grant in support of the Economic Self-Sufficiency program,” said BCOC Executive Director Erin Lukoss. “ES is a proven method for moving people out of poverty and the combination of public and private support is essential to its success. I am excited to expand the ES program with this new funding and am thankful to our supporters in the community of Bucks County.”
The BCOC serves low income families across the county. The mission of the BCOC is to reduce poverty and partner with the community to promote economic self-sufficient. For more information on the BCOC, visit their website.
DCED’s NAP encourages private sector investment into projects that will help improve distressed communities by providing tax credits to businesses that donate capital to support projects that address neighborhood and community problems. For more information on NAP and other community development initiatives, visit the DCED website.
Sen. Steve Santarsiero represents the 10th Senatorial District, which includes: Bedminster Township, Buckingham Township, Chalfont, Doylestown, Doylestown Township, Dublin, East Rockhill Township, Falls Township, Haycock Township, Hilltown Township, Lower Makefield Township, Morrisville, New Britain, New Britain Township, New Hope, Newtown, Newtown Township, Perkasie, Plumstead Township, Sellersville, Silverdale, Solebury Township, Telford, Tullytown, Upper Makefield Township, West Rockhill Township, and Yardley.
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December 13, 2019
BUCKS COUNTY –December 13, 2019 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative John Galloway (D-140) announced the award of $249,420 to Blue Ridge Wood Products through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The funds will be used to rehabilitate 700 feet of existing track in Fairless Hills, to improve the efficiency of Blue Ridge Wood Product’s inbound railcar unloading operations.
“Investments in infrastructure are crucial to ensuring a thriving economy here in Bucks County and across the Commonwealth,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “I am always pleased to see local companies receive recognition and support for the important work they are doing here in our district.”
“These funds will increase mobility options, as well as improve freight travel efficiency,” Rep. Galloway said. “A strong rail system means increased economic development in Bucks County.”
Blue Ridge Wood Products is located in Fairless Hills and relies on freight rail to receive more than 80% of its wood supply, which it then treats and distributes across Pennsylvania and nearby states.
For more information on PennDOT’s commitment to freight rail, visit the PennDOT website.
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December 11, 2019
BUCKS COUNTY – December 11, 2019 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced the award of $28,197 in state funding to Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22 through the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s (PDE) Keystone Telepresence Education Grant program for equipment and services to help educate students who are homebound for extended periods due to serious medical conditions.
Intermediate units use the grants to purchase audio and video equipment. An IU’s member school districts can then borrow the equipment and place it within the homes of students who are recovering from an accident or medical procedure or are experiencing a serious or chronic illness. The equipment enables students to participate in daily educational activities with classmates and teachers in real-time.
Intermediate units may also use the funds to train personnel on how to use the equipment.
“Pennsylvania has an obligation to deliver the best possible education to every child,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “With this equipment, teachers at Bucks County Intermediate Unit can better connect with students eager to learn and reach their full potential.”
Funding for the grant program comes from PDE’s Special Education state appropriation. The 2019-2020 budget includes $1.19 billion for special education – a $50 million increase over the previous year. The appropriation includes approximately $90 million for the Special Education Contingency Fund, Core Services funding to Intermediate Units; Institutionalized Children’s Program funding; special education for wards of state students; special education for students placed out of state; and the Keystone Telepresence Education Grant.
To learn more about the Telepresence grant program, visit the PDE website.
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November 15, 2019
BUCKS COUNTY – November 15, 2019 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced the award of $1,957,500 in state grants through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Developments’ (DCED) Neighborhood Assistance (NAP) Tax Credit Program for projects administered by Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County, Philabundance, and Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County was awarded $101,250 to repair 40 homes to be safer, securer and more accessible for low income families- including elderly and disabled residents. These repairs include 25 Safe Home Repairs, 10 Critical Repairs and 5 Keystone Accessibility (Access) Repairs. Safe Home Repairs focus on repairs to assist older and disabled homeowners to live safely at home. Critical Repairs focus on roof replacement and major system repairs. Access Repairs are ramp/lift installations or modifications to rooms to make a home more accessible to residents. Repairs are expected to impact 76 residents who can remain in their homes for a longer period of time.
Philabundance was awarded $1,801,250 to combat food insecurity in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties. Philabundance meets the needs of its region by strategically distributing food through our network of 355 community agencies. In addition to food distribution, Philabundance also works to tackle the root causes of poverty and improve their clients’ access to other services through collaborations with organizations that offer essential services such as education, financial literacy, and housing.
Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania (LASP) was awarded $55,000 to increase the number of residents in a target area of Lower Bucks County who have skilled legal help in resolving serious problems that impact their livelihoods, housing, family stability or personal safety. LASP anticipates serving an additional 100 people in the target area. Of these, about 40 will receive tangible benefits such as maintaining housing, successfully appealing a benefits denial, or obtaining a protection order. 60 will benefit from legal advice that is specific to their situation.
“I am proud to join my Bucks colleagues in the House and Senate in supporting state funding for the life saving work being done by Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County, Philabundance, and Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania. The work these organizations do on behalf of Bucks County residents year-round is essential in the fight against homelessness and food insecurity,” Sen. Santarsiero said.
The Neighborhood Assistance (NAP) Tax Credit Program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Developments (DCED), encourages businesses to invest in projects which improve distressed areas. To learn more about the Neighborhood Assistance (NAP) Tax Credit Program, visit the DCED website.
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November 14, 2019
BUCKS COUNTY – November 14, 2019 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced the award of $152,800 in grant funding through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) Community Parks and Recreation Grant program for New Britain Civic Association and Sellersville Borough for improvements to Covered Bridge and Lenape Parks.
New Britain Civic Association was awarded $30,300 to prepare a Master Site Development Plan for the 14-acre Covered Bridge Park in New Britain Borough and the abutting 5.8-acre Orchard Park in Doylestown Township.
Sellersville Borough was awarded $122,500 for the rehabilitation of Lenape Park. Work will include the renovation of pedestrian walkways and parking area, construction of stormwater management measures, installation of fencing, accessibility compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landscaping, project signage, and related site improvements.
“The vital, often overlooked, work being done by municipalities and non-profits, like Sellersville Borough and the New Britain Civic Association, to maintain and improve our local parks is a testament to their commitment to building a more vibrant community for all,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “These projects will improve park safety and accessibility so that residents can enjoy all the recreational amenities offered.”
“Covered Bridge Park is such a beautiful location and this grant will help to make an already wonderful place into yet another shining spot in New Britain for our families to enjoy,” said Rep. Polinchock (R-144), who represents New Britain.
“As President of the New Britain Civic Association, I would like to thank everyone who was involved in the DCNR Grant Process,” said David Holewinski, who also serves as Mayor of New Britain Borough. “This Grant will allow the Civic Association to move forward with the Master Site Development Plan and continue to improve the family gathering destination and the recreation facilities at Covered Bridge Park which provides both to New Britain Borough and the surrounding communities.
“This grant will be a great help to the efforts of the Borough to design a long-term vision for Orchard Park and to work in harmony with the New Britain Civic Association to ensure optimal and complementary use of Covered Bridge Park and Orchard Park,” said Samantha Bryant, Manager for New Britain Borough. “Providing well designed spaces for passive and active recreation for our residents and the surrounding community is important to New Britain Borough, which this grant will help advance.”
“Sellersville Borough is pleased to be receiving this $122,500 DCNR grant, which will enable us to make needed repairs to our Lake Lenape hike and bike trail,” said David Rivet, Manager for Sellersville Borough. “This trail connects to the trail in neighboring Perkasie Borough and is heavily used by residents of both boroughs as well as visitors. The handicapped accessibility improvements included in the project will expand the park’s usage allowing for more people to enjoy its scenic beauty. Improved stormwater management measures will decrease the amount of time it takes for the water to leave the trail after a high water event. Construction will take place in 2020.
“Sellersville Borough would like to thank State Senator Steve Santarsiero and Representative Craig Staats as well as the staff at the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for their support in making this grant a reality.”
The Community Parks and Recreation Grants, which are administered by the DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation (BRC), provide funding and technical assistance support for local recreation and park improvement projects. To learn more about Community Parks and Recreation Grants, visit the DCNR website.
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November 12, 2019
BUCKS COUNTY – November 12, 2019 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced the award of nearly $2 million in targeted state funding to bolster economic development and to improve pedestrian safety.
The funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s (CFA) Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) Community Conservation Partnership Program Grant will go to critical projects in Dublin Town Center, Provco Pineville Doylestown, Newtown Township, Morrisville Borough, and Yardley Borough.
Dublin Town Center was awarded $700,000 for the Dublin Town Center Main Street Traffic, Roadway & Pedestrian Improvements Project.
Provco Pineville Doylestown was awarded $500,000 for a roadway in Buckingham Township in the Cross Keys area.
Newtown Township was awarded $125,000 and $250,000 for the Lower Dolington Road Multi-Use Trail through CFA’s Multimodal Transportation Fund and DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnership Program Grant, respectively. The funding will be used for stormwater management measures, intersection improvements and fencing, renovations for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landscaping, project sign, and other related site improvements.
Morrisville Borough was awarded $100,000 for ADA curb ramp accessibility improvements.
Yardley Borough was awarded $125,000 for the second phase of the North Main Street Sidewalk Project.
“The funding for these infrastructure projects will advance public safety and drive economic growth,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “As these projects begin to take shape, residents, businesses, and commuters alike will experience the improvements to our thriving community.”
“Each of these grants will make major construction projects possible in our community, allowing local municipalities to improve the safety and accessibility in our neighborhoods,” Rep. Warren said. “We will enjoy the direct benefit of state dollars here at home improving our hometowns and helping protect pedestrians and bicyclists.”
“We’re thrilled, of course, to receive news of this grant award. This fits perfectly with our on-going strategy to make Morrisville Borough more friendly for pedestrians,” said Scott Mitchell, Manager for Morrisville Borough. “It is also an important public safety issue since Morrisville school students are all walkers. Funding for these ADA curb ramps will go a long way to advance our road paving plans.”
“Buckingham Township is excited to learn of the DCED Multimodal Fund Grant Award for the construction of a connector road and other traffic improvements that will improve safety and help revitalize the Cross Keys area,” said Dana Cozza, Manager for Buckingham Township.
“Dublin Borough is grateful to have the Dublin Town Center mixed use development project that will develop over 17 acres in the Borough,” said Angela Benner, Manager for Dublin Borough. “The project includes 78 Townhomes, a 15,000 square foot mixed use building, a 14,830 square foot community health care building and the adaptive reuse of Bishops Garage, the Diner and the TEC Building. The project also includes improvements to Main Street and Elephant Road as well as the installation of a comprehensive road. The developer has been working with the Borough over the past three years to ensure that the project would meet the Borough’s Revitalization and Visioning Plan. We are looking forward to this project bringing new life and business to the Borough.”
“I’m excited for Yardley Borough to receive this grant toward the completion of the North Main Street Sidewalk,” said David Bria, Councilman for Yardley Borough. “Ensuring safe pedestrian access to our downtown area is one of Council’s top priorities, and this opportunity will help bring us one step closer. Thank you to Senator Santarsiero for his work in helping secure this funding.”
The MTF, established by Act 89 of 2013, funds several types of improvement projects, including roads, walking and bike trails, railways, traffic safety, public transportation, and air transport. To learn more about the MTF, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s website.
The Community Conservation Partnership Program Grant program, which is administered by the DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation (BRC), assists local governments and recreation and conservation organizations with funding for projects related to parks, recreation, and conservation. To learn more about the Community Conservation Partnership Program Grant program, visit the DCNR website.
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October 17, 2019
HARRISBURG − October 17, 2019 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and state Representatives Perry Warren (D-31) and John Galloway (D-140) announced the award of a Keystone Grant totaling $52,500 to Morrisville Free Library for the replacement of the slate roof of the library’s 108-year-old building.
“With this generous grant, Morrisville Free Library can continue to provide invaluable resources to our community,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “For decades, Morrisville Free Library has taught our children the joy of reading, provided students with the tools necessary to learn, and has hosted countless events for children, seniors, businesses, and community groups.”
“Libraries in our community offer an invaluable service as free learning centers to preschoolers, students, adults and seniors,” said Rep. Warren. “In other words, everyone in the community benefits from a strong library system. We’re fortunate enough to live in a community where we have one, a place where the only thing you need to pursue knowledge is a desire to learn and a free library card.”
“I’m glad to see the Morrisville Free Library will be receiving some much-needed upgrades,” said Rep. Galloway. “This has been a long-standing establishment in our community, and I’m confident that these funds will ensure its continued prosperity as a place to learn and gather.”
Morrisville Free Library is one of 19 public libraries across 12 counties in Pennsylvania that have been awarded $3.25 million in Keystone Grants to use toward improving physical facilities. Keystone Grants are funded through the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Bureau of Library Development, administers the public library portion of this program. Grants of up to $750,000 may be used for planning, acquisition, construction and rehabilitation of public libraries, and must be matched dollar-for-dollar.
For more information on Keystone Library Grants and the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, please visit the State Library of Pennsylvania’s website.
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September 12, 2019
BUCKS COUNTY – September 12, 2019 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced the award of over two and half million dollars in state grants from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) for A Woman’s Place and Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA), two Bucks County-based organizations that serve vulnerable and underserved victims.
“Whether pursing justice or seeking treatment, these Bucks County organizations provide victims with invaluable services and trusted support,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “With these grants, the vital work being done to make our community a safer place to raise a family will be greatly enhanced.”
The following PCCD grants were awarded:
VSAC – 2019/2020 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Funding – Competitive Extension:
A Woman’s Place
Project Description: VOCA Competitive Extension
Funding: $ 300,000
Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA)
Project Description: Enhancing Services to Underserved Victims
Funding: $ 263,253
VSAC – 2019-2021 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Funding – Non-Competitive:
A Woman’s Place
Project Description: Expansion of First Response Program
Funding: $ 300,631
Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA)
Project Description: Non-competitive victims of crime 2019-2021
Funding: $ 551,087
VSAC – 2019-2021 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Funding – Competitive:
Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA)
Project Description: Competitive Victims of Crime 2019-2021
Funding: $ 1,148,827
Project Description: Keystone Crisis Intervention Team Project
Funding: $ 200,960
To learn more about PCCD grants, visit their website here.
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January 18, 2019
BUCKS COUNTY – January 18, 2019 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero, minority chair of the senate Communications and Technology committee, announced the award of computer science grant funding for Council Rock, Central Bucks, and Pennridge school districts.
Each district will receive $35,000 to fund high-quality computer science and STEM education in elementary, middle, and high schools, and professional development for teachers. The grants specifically aim to prepare students and workers for an economy that requires proficiency in using computers and other technologies.
“These grants are the first step in ensuring schools in Bucks County and across the Commonwealth stay competitive in the fields of computer science and STEM education,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “My hope is to be able to expand such grant programs across the district, so all students and teachers can lead the way towards a new and innovative educational system and economy.”
The grants were fully funded through Governor Wolf’s PAsmart initiative.
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