Senator Santarsiero, Representative Ullman Announce State Funding for Renovations to Historic County Theater
BUCKS COUNTY − June 15, 2019 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and state Representative Wendy Ullman (D-143) announced the award of $64,500 in state funding for renovations at the County Theater at a press conference in Doylestown Borough.
The state funding was awarded through the Keystone Historic Preservation grant program and is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, which is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. According to the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, the County Theater was among the 57 organizations selected from 96 eligible applications. Grants awarded ranged from $5,000 to $25,000 for project grants and $5,000 to $100,000 for construction projects. All grants require a 50 percent cash match and were awarded through a competitive selection process.
“Supporting cultural landmarks like the iconic County Theater is critically important in preserving the history of a region,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “In Bucks County, we’re fortunate to have so many unique and historical sites that make our home special, and grant programs like these are crucial to maintaining these landmarks.”
“The contribution of the County Theater to the vital cultural life and charming downtown ambience of Doylestown is undeniable,” Rep. Ullman said. “It is with pleasure that I announce this Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Keystone Historic Preservation Grant. These funds will help support the restoration process of this beautiful Art Deco building.”
“The County Theater is iconic and historic. Besides operating as a catalyst for the vitality of our community, it adds depth and texture to our rich, nationally recognized cultural scene,” Mayor Ron Strouse said. “As the County goes through expansion and renovation, this grant from the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission helps insure the physical integrity of the facade of the building and gives testimony to it’s importance beyond Doylestown.”
“The County Theater is excited to accept this Keystone Grant from the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission,” John Toner, Founding Director of the theater said. “This support will allow us to repair and restore the theater’s iconic facade, as well as return the theater’s marquee to its original lettering system. All of this would not be possible without the generous help of our local and State government leaders who work to support the County Theater and the Doylestown community. And, of course, thank you to our more than 5,000 members who are the foundation of our wonderful nonprofit theater.”
The Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund is supported annually from a portion of the state realty tax revenue.
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