October 22, 2024
BUCKS COUNTY − October 22, 2024 − Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) along with Representative Tim Brennan (D-29) announced today $1,624,778 in state funding awards for four projects throughout their shared district.
The awards are as follows:
- Peace Valley Holistic Center: $597,516 for farmhouse rehabilitation;
- Mercer Museum: $406,226 for elevator modernization,
- Bucks County Housing Development Corporation (via Bucks County Industrial Development Authority): $100,000 for roof repair at New Hope Manor; and
- Solebury Township: $521,036 for traffic signal improvements on Lower York Road.
The Peace Valley Holistic Center, located in Chalfont Borough, will be rehabilitating the Center’s Old Stone Farmhouse that will be used as a learning-based life skills retreat for special needs families.
“The project at Peace Valley Holistic Center will provide a respite for special needs families,” said Senator Santarsiero. “The life skills workshops, including parent and youth cooking programs, will help teach life-long healthy habits in a safe and inclusive space.”
The Mercer Museum, in partnership with Doylestown Borough and the Bucks County Historical Society will use the funding to modernize the museum’s lone elevator. Dating back to 1976, the elevator provides the only access for guests with mobility challenges to access the core exhibition space.
“The Mercer Museum is a cultural and historic gem in our community, and I enthusiastically supported these funds to help improve accessibility to the museum by modernizing the elevator,” said Senator Santarsiero.
Bucks County Housing Development Corporation will provide assistance to New Hope Manor, the affordable 55 and older independent living community, using the funding for a new roof at the apartment complex.
“Bucks County Housing Development Corporation does great work providing critically needed affordable housing to low and moderate seniors in our community,” said Senator Santarsiero. “I’m pleased to support these funds to repair the roof at the New Hope Manor building to ensure its residents have a safe and warm place to call home.”
“These are critical state investments into our community’s public spaces, and will help keep them vibrant and strong,” said Rep. Brennan. “Preserving Bucks County’s rich history and thriving cultural institutions is vital to our continued growth, and these grants will make sure the Old Stone Farmhouse and Mercer Museum are safe and accessible for all to enjoy. The same goes for New Hope Manor and the seniors who call it home.”
Solebury Township will upgrade four existing traffic signals along Lower York Road at the intersections with Sugan Road, Kitchen Lane/Bridge Street, Shire Drive and Aquetong Road.
“The traffic signal upgrades in Solebury township will improve reliability and safety for both everyday use and in emergency response situations, benefitting drivers, pedestrians and our first responders,” said Senator Santarsiero.
Rep. Brennan added, “These upgrades are bringing the latest traffic safety technology to one of Solebury’s busiest intersections. Sen. Santarsiero and I will continue to be persistent in our efforts to secure state funding for these projects, especially when it comes to improving our first responders’ ability to respond to emergencies and making sure public infrastructure can withstand changing weather patterns.”
Administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the Local Share Account (LSA)- Statewide program allocates gaming revenue through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the Commonwealth.
Additional information about the Local Share Account- Statewide program can be found on the DCED website.
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October 17, 2024
BUCKS COUNTY − October 17, 2024 − Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Tim Brennan (D-29) announced $100,000 in funding for Midway Volunteer Fire Company during a recent visit to the company. The funding will be used to support the volunteer fire company’s operations, including the outfitting of a truck to equip it for Swiftwater rescue.
“Our volunteer firefighters put themselves on the front line to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Santarsiero. “It is critical that these dedicated volunteers have the resources necessary to do their job, which is why I am proud to have secured these funds with Representative Brennan to support the work of Midway Volunteer Fire Company.”
“I greatly admire the first responders who volunteer to be here for us in our greatest times of need and am proud to work with Senator Santarsiero to make sure they have the necessary resources to stay safe,” said Rep. Brennan. “We recently passed legislation in the House to expand mental health coverage for first responders, and to better protect firefighters from dangerous chemicals like PFAS. We also continue with bipartisan efforts to seek better incentives to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters.”
Serving Buckingham and Solebury townships, Midway is an entirely volunteer fire company, providing fire protection and rescue services to the community.
Additional information about Midway Volunteer Fire Company can be found at www.midwayvfc.com.
July 31, 2024
BUCKS COUNTY − July 31, 2024 − Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), along with Representatives Tim Brennan (D-29) and Jim Prokopiak (D-140), announced today $1,027,735 in state funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Green Light-Go program for improvements in the 10th Senate District.
The awards are as follows:
- Doylestown Borough – $340,995 for modernization of signal equipment at W. State Street/W. Court Street & Clinton Street
- Doylestown Township – $184,240 for modernization of signal equipment at Pebble Hill Road & Edison Furlong Road (Route 2049) as well as Limekiln Road & Ferry Road.
- Doylestown Township – $242,700 to update traffic signal equipment at various location throughout the Township.
- Falls Township – $259,800 for modernization of traffic signal equipment at Hood Blvd & Pennsbury High School
“Each of these projects will improve mobility while increasing pedestrian safety at high use intersections around the district,” said Senator Santarsiero. “Technological upgrades to our signal equipment ensure all pedestrians have the ability to move naturally and safely throughout our communities.”
“This is the latest in a string of good news for drivers, pedestrians, and bikers in our district. I know all of us are ready for safer, smoother commutes ahead,” Rep. Brennan said. “Sen. Santarsiero and I are always advocating for state funding for road and traffic projects in our communities. I’m glad to see Pennsylvania making smart investments into the infrastructure that impacts our daily lives.”
Of the funding for Falls Township, Rep. Prokopiak said, “The safety of our school students and is of paramount importance. I am pleased to see Falls Township and PennDOT invest in improving the traffic light in front of Pennsbury High School.”
Green Light-Go grants are provided as reimbursement to municipalities for updates to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals. Grant funding through the Green Light-Go program may be utilized for a range of operational improvements including, but not limited to light-emitting diode (LED) technology installation, traffic signal retiming, developing special event plans and monitoring traffic signals, as well as upgrading traffic signals to the latest technologies. For more information visit the PennDOT website.
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April 29, 2024
BUCKS COUNTY – April 29, 2024 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Tim Brennan (D-29) announced today Doylestown Township will receive $700,000 in state funds for a trail improvement project and TMA Bucks will receive $102,029 to further traffic safety education in grades K-8.
The Doylestown trail project will close a gap between two existing trails, create a safe walking and bicycling connection into Doylestown’s central business district, and enhance connections to Central Park. The proposed trail is approximately 0.4 miles long and will be located on the west side of Easton Road. The project includes a new structure mounted barrier on the Easton Road bridge over SR 202 Bypass to create a safe space on the bridge for walkers and bicyclists.
“Any time we can join existing trails together we are improving recreational access across our communities, improving both the health and safety for pedestrians and cyclists,” said Senator Santarsiero. “We are fortunate to have an extensive network of trails in the Doylestown area, and across Bucks County, and I am pleased to support this investment to continue to grow that network.”
Representative Tim Brennan (D-29), who represents Doylestown Township, said, “I appreciate Governor Shapiro making this this investment in connecting communities, in walking and biking recreation opportunities, and in educating our grade school kids who are learning about healthy habits and preserving their environment. I’m especially pleased in the continued investment in Doylestown’s trails – this latest round of funding will enhance the outdoor experience for both residents and tourists.”
TMA Bucks will use the funds to focus on traffic safety education for elementary aged children, offering in-school assemblies on transportation safety related topics.
“TMA Bucks provides excellent educational resources about transportation safety,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “Engaging the youngest members of our community on these issues is a key component to understanding how roadway, pedestrian and cyclist safety keep our overall community safe.”
Additional information about the funding and awards can be found on PennDOT’s website.
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December 19, 2023
BUCKS COUNTY — December 19, 2023 — Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), along with State Representatives Tim Brennan (D-29), Perry Warren (D-31), Tina Davis (D-141), and Shelby Labs (R-143) today announced $3,458,844 in state grants were awarded for 12 small water and sewer improvement projects across the 10th Senate District.
“These projects will help make critical improvements to our municipal water and sewer systems, strengthening our infrastructure, protecting our environment and maintaining quality drinking water for our community,” said Sen. Santarsiero.
The awards in House District 29 are as follows:
- Chalfont Borough will receive $423,804 to replace stormwater piping in the borough;
- Doylestown Township Municipal Authority will receive $268,405 for the Forest Park Regional Water System Interconnection;
- North Wales Water Authority will receive $337,954 for the Yorkshire Meadows Project to replace and upgrade a 2,000-gallon Hydro-Pneumatic storage tank and arsenic removal system in Solebury Township;
- North Whales Water Authority will also receive $313,559 for the Ingham News Project to replace and upgrade a potable water Hydro-Pneumatic storage tank and the addition of an arsenic removal system in Solebury Township; and
- Doylestown Borough will receive $424,864 for the rehabilitation of the Maplewood Tank located in the borough.
“I was pleased to work with Rep. Brennan to secure these funds for Chalfont Borough, Doylestown Borough, Doylestown Township and Solebury Township,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “Each project will make critical improvements to our water and sewer infrastructure.”
“We’re still putting ARPA funding to good use, which puts people to work and is solving issues in our backyard here at home,” said Rep. Brennan. “We need to continue to focus on building and preserving the essential infrastructure these grants support. State support for these projects also frees up local and county resources, which ultimately helps provide relief to local taxpayers across Central Bucks County.”
The awards in House District 31 are as follows:
- Township of Falls Authority will receive $343,388 for an inflow and infiltration elimination project in Lower Makefield Township; and
- Lower Makefield Township will receive $147,462 for stormwater improvements.
“I have been working with Lower Makefield Township to address ongoing stormwater management concerns in the Maplevale neighborhood area and I was happy to advocate for these funds to help implement projects to make necessary improvements,” said Sen. Santarsiero.
Rep. Warren added, “These grants of state funds will improve storm water management and filtration in Lower Makefield. Between these grants and Governor Shapiro signing into law the Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force bill, the Governor, Senator Santarsiero, the Lower Makefield Board of Supervisors and I are working to reduce the impact of flooding upon our communities. The storm water management grant will directly benefit the areas most likely to flood during heavy rains and due to the flow of storm water.”
The awards in House District 140 are as follows:
- Township of Falls Authority will receive $71,400 for improvements to the Vermillion and Twin Oaks Interconnection in Falls Township;
- Township of Falls Authority will also receive $412,905 for the water main lining along Brentwood Road and Chestertown Road in Falls Township;
- Bucks County will receive $110,721 to improve drainage conditions at the Morrisville Senior Center; and
- Tullytown Borough will receive $93,184 to repair storm inlets and grates throughout the borough.
“Each of these projects will increase the effectiveness of important water supply and stormwater management infrastructure, helping to keep our communities safe and healthy,” Sen. Santarsiero added.
The award in House District 141 is as follows:
- Bristol Borough will receive $90,000 for the Howell Street vegetated swale to help reduce sediment discharge to the Mill Creek Watershed.
“A key component of protecting our environment is working to reduce the amount of sediment that is discharged into our waterways,” noted Sen. Santarsiero. “The project in Bristol Borough will keep the Mill Creek Watershed healthy.”
Rep. Davis said, “I whole-heartedly supported funding for this project. It is crucial that we work to reduce sediment pollution in the Mill Creek Watershed and, in doing so, protect our streams and aquatic life. I am pleased that the state agreed that this was a project worth investing in.”
The awards in House District 143 are as follows:
- Plumstead Township will receive $418,198 for a water interconnection between two distribution systems in the township.
“Quality drinking water and reliable sewer services are critical services for our residents,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “I was proud to support these state funds for this project to help lessen the burden on Plumstead Township and local tax payers.”
“I am thrilled to see Plumstead Township receive this grant,” said Rep. Labs. “This necessary investment into our infrastructure will secure a brand-new water interconnection between two existing systems. The new interconnection will improve water reliability in Plumstead Township, and make our system less reactive to drought, system failure, and other potential issues.”
Grants for small water, sewer, and storm water infrastructure projects include activities to assist with the construction, improvement, expansion, or rehabilitation or repair of a water supply system, sanitary sewer system, and storm water system projects. Act 54 of 2022 appropriated $105.6 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to the PA Small Water and Sewer Program.
Additional information about PA Small Water and Sewer Program funding can be found on the DCED website.
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March 17, 2023
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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