Local lawmakers announce grants for projects across region

Lawmakers across the region have announced a series of grants for projects totaling roughly $10.4 million, funded by a sttewide account that distributes gaming revenues to support regional projects in the public interest:

53rd District

New funding from the state totaling $1,592,328 will go to municipalities in the 53rd Legislative District to help them operate critical services that support residents by funding projects to upgrade local infrastructure, per the office of state Rep. Steve Malagari.

“This funding is about the state helping local government strengthen the everyday systems we rely on but rarely think about until something goes wrong — clean water, safe streets, reliable emergency response,” Malagari said. “These are smart investments in public health, safety, and accessibility in our community. It’s a reminder that when we take care of the basics, we take care of each other.”

Malagari said he worked with state Sen. Maria Collett to help advocate grant awards for the projects that overlap their legislative districts.

The grants were awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority via the Statewide Local Share Account program:

• Hatfield Township will receive $117,328 for upgrades to the Colmar Volunteer Fire Company firehouse.

• Hatfield Township Municipal Authority will receive $225,000 for new blowers for its wastewater treatment plant.

• North Penn Water Authority will receive $200,000 toward its project to replace the water main along Derstine Avenue and install a new fire hydrant.

Lansdale Borough will receive funding for three projects:

• $250,000 to replace the outdated Franklin Street pump station that manages wastewater from residential properties, an effort that will help maintain public health and environmental safety

• $250,000 to repair two storm sewer tunnels and the surrounding sidewalk to prevent sewage overflow; and

• $200,000 to rehabilitate sanitary and stormwater sewers in certain areas, as well as restore the surrounding sidewalks and add ADA curb ramps for greater accessibility.

Souderton Borough will receive funding for two projects:

• $250,000 for upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant that serves the borough, replacing the outdated blower and process control equipment; and

• $100,000 to purchase EMS equipment – three new cardiac monitors and defibrillators – for use by the Volunteer Medical Service Corps, enabling them to provide more advanced cardiac care in the field.

61st District

In the state’s 61st District, state Rep. Liz Hanbidge and Sen. Collett announced the following LSA Grants totaling $850,000:

• Lower Gwynedd Township – $750,000 for the construction of a new public works facility.

• In partnership with Rep. Matt Bradford and Rep. Hanbidge: Whitpain Township – $100,000 to construct a new community center.

“I’m proud of the funding that we collaborated to secure for our districts to support critical infrastructure, public services, and community projects,” said Hanbidge. “These funds will help our municipalities invest in facilities that serve residents every day. This is a meaningful investment in the safety, and quality of life of our communities.”

147th District

In the 147th District and 24th Senate District, state Rep. Donna Scheuren and state Sen. Tracy Pennycuick announced just under $317,000 in funding for multiple projects as follows:

• Lower Salford Township will receive $216,784 for the Oak Drive Roadway and Pedestrians Improvement Project. The project funds will advance the implementation of a new shared-use path to expand and connect the local trail network, creating both recreational opportunities and safe multimodal access to more destinations. The new path will connect on its south end to existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities just east of the Village of Lederach, a historic village with a core of local shops, restaurants and offices, as well as a periphery with clusters of residential development. At the northern end, the path will connect to the intersection of PA 113 and Landis Road.

• New Hanover Township will receive $100,000 for the Moyer Road Meadows and Trails Project. This initiative will feature the construction of over 4,500 linear feet of multi-use trails, complete with pedestrian bridges, shared-use paths and fully ADA-compliant infrastructure to ensure accessibility for all. The trail system will serve as a critical link between two thriving neighborhoods, fostering connections among residents and promoting healthy, active lifestyles.

“Continued investment in local trails and green spaces enhances our quality of life and will bring lasting benefits to our communities,” said Pennycuick, “I was proud to advocate for these projects and expand access to recreational opportunities for residents of the 24th Senate District.”

“This is a nice investment in our neighborhoods, and we should never overlook the importance of connecting our communities,” said Scheuren. “These projects support our open space and enhance our green space as well, by improving trails and pedestrian walkways for every citizen looking to leave their car at home and take a walk.”

The funding for this program comes from Act 13 of 2012, which establishes the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects.

150th District

In the state’s 150th District, Rep. Joe Webster announced the awarding of $1,152,745 in Local Share Account grants to five projects including culvert replacement, sewer upgrades, public works site preparation, historic preservation and the purchase of an electric vehicle for municipal use.

“Targeted investments in infrastructure and public services are essential to keeping Montgomery County safe, accessible and economically vibrant,” Webster said. “These grants support practical projects that protect our neighborhoods, preserve our history, and help local governments operate more efficiently.”

The five projects awarded grants are:

• $236,000 — Collegeville Borough, 6th Avenue culvert replacement.

• $49,245 — Lower Providence Township, Codes Department electric vehicle.

• $300,000 — Lower Providence Township Sewer Authority, Mine Run Interceptor sewer replacement.

• $267,500 — Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority/Historic Trappe, restoration of historic stone wall and ADA patio.

• $300,000 — Upper Providence Township: Public Works Campus Phase One site preparation and salt storage.

The grants were awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, which oversees the state’s distribution of gaming revenues to support public projects.

151st District

In the 151st District,. Collett and Rep. Melissa Cerrato announced $2,175,870 in total LSA Grant awards:

• Horsham Township – $116,823 to purchase police department electronic control devices.

• Horsham Water & Sewer Authority – $300,000 to replace a section of water main in the Well 20 Area.

• Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority – $250,000 to install a new fire suppression system at the Family Promise Montco, PA facility located in Ambler Borough.

• Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority – $859,047 to renovate the Mitzvah Circle building.

• Montgomery Township Municipal Sewer Authority – $300,000 for the re-insulation of Tank B at the Eureka Wastewater Treatment Plant in Montgomery Township.

“I am excited to see so much funding come back to every corner of our community,” said Cerrato. “I am especially proud to see extra funding go to Mitzvah Circle after their devastating fire. Our community came together after that tragedy to support our neighbors, and I am glad to bring further support to them with state funds.”

152nd District

State Rep. Nancy Guenst announced over $1.3 million in state grant funding was awarded to projects supporting public infrastructure and services.

“This funding will directly support essential services that our community members rely on every day,” said Guenst. “From expanding access to dental care to strengthening public facilities and planning for future needs, these projects reflect people-centered investments that I was proud to advocate for with my partners at the state and local level.”

Guenst said funds were awarded as follows:

• $625,123 to the Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority to support the expansion of the Manor College Dental Health Center (secured in collaboration with state Rep. Ben Sanchez and Sen. Art Haywood).

• $380,920 to Upper Moreland Township to purchase and install an access control system and a camera system at its new police department building (secured in collaboration with state Sen. Maria Collett).

• $250,000 to Lower Moreland Township for land acquisition (secured in collaboration with Collett).

• $63,000 to Upper Moreland Township for improvements at Woodlawn Park (secured in collaboration with Collett).

“If we want to live in healthier, safer neighborhoods where all of us can thrive, investments like these are critical,” said Collett, D-12th. “I was proud to work with partners on the state and local levels to support infrastructure projects that have tangible impacts on our communities, economy and future.”

153rd District

Projects in the state’s 153rd House district, which contains Rockledge Borough, most of Abington Township and half of Upper Dublin Township, include the following totaling roughly $1.2 million, announced by Rep. Ben Sanchez, with the support of fellow Montgomery County legislators Sens. Art Haywood and Maria Collett and Reps. Nancy Guenst and Melissa Cerrato.

“These LSA grants represent smart, targeted investments that strengthen our workforce pipeline, expand access to essential health services, and improve quality of life in our communities,” Sanchez said.

“From preparing students for high-demand cybersecurity careers, to expanding dental care for uninsured neighbors, to creating safer options for walking and biking, these projects deliver real benefits for the residents of our local community and beyond.”

• Penn State Abington has been awarded $248,500 in LSA funding toward a Cybersecurity Analytics Lab Expansion Project in Abington Township. The project will create two industry-standard cybersecurity labs where students can simulate cyberattacks, conduct vulnerability assessments, and gain hands-on experience aligned with real-world security challenges. Funding will support facility renovations, electrical upgrades, cybersecurity lab equipment, classroom instruction equipment and audio-visual enhancements. “This grant is a transformative boost for our growing cybersecurity and data analytics major that enables us to build cutting-edge labs that mirror real-world cyber defense environments,” Penn State Abington Chancellor Dr.  Gary Liguori said. “Our students will be able to better simulate cyberattacks, conduct vulnerability assessments, and engage in incident response training. These new facilities will strengthen our curriculum, internship preparation and partnerships and allow us to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals,” Liguori said. “We are grateful to Representative Sanchez, Senator Haywood, and lawmakers throughout the commonwealth for this investment, which positions our graduates to meet workforce needs in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania.” “This investment ensures students are prepared to meet the growing cybersecurity needs of employers and the public sector,” Sanchez said. “Cybersecurity is a critical field, and this project helps keep our region competitive.”

• Manor College has received $625,123 in LSA funding to fully support the Manor College Dental Health Center Expansion Project in Abington Township. The Dental Health Center provides essential dental services to community members in need, including those without insurance, while also serving as a clinical training site for dental hygiene students. The expansion will allow for approximately 30% growth by adding two additional dental stations, increasing both student capacity and patient access. Funds will be used for construction, permitting, and the purchase and installation of necessary equipment. “Manor College cannot thank Representative Sanchez enough for his support of this application,” Manor College President Jonathan Peri said. “The work that will be done here in Abington Township will serve so many of our neighbors, especially seniors, throughout the region with more high quality, low cost dental care. We are thrilled to move this project forward in such a way that will have a meaningful and lasting impact.” “This project reflects a strong commitment to both education and community health,” Sanchez said. “Manor College plays a vital role in ensuring access to quality, compassionate dental care for our neighbors.”

• Upper Dublin Township Municipal Authority, on behalf of Montgomery County, has been awarded $350,000 in LSA funding toward the Dreshertown Road Cross County Trail Extension Project. The project will construct a 0.7-mile extension of the Cross County Trail and widen Virginia Drive/Dreshertown Road (SR 2024) between Susquehanna Road and Beacon Hill/Bantry Drive. Additional improvements include construction of missing sidewalk segments, upgrades to traffic signal systems to include pedestrian phases, and ADA-compliant intersections and crosswalks. The project will promote walking and biking, improve access to public transit, and enhance safety for all users. “Upper Dublin Township’s Municipal Authority has committed to transforming the Greater Fort Washington District into a regional destination center,” Executive Director Kurt Ferguson said.  “Through the support of Representative Ben Sanchez, the Municipal Authority’s investment has been awarded critical grant funding for infrastructure improvements over the past 10 years. This $350,000 Local Share Account grant award through PA DCED will be directly utilized for construction of the Dreshertown Road Improvements and Cross County Trail Extension from Susquehanna Road to Beacon Hill and Bantry Drive. “These improvements will continue our investment to provide biking and walking options within Upper Dublin Township, help complete the 17.5-mile Circuit Trail through Montgomery County, and improve safety and operations within the Dresher Triangle.”

Sanchez noted that all of these projects are worthy of public funding.

“Investments like this help create safer, healthier and more connected communities,” Sanchez said. “These projects highlights the value of collaboration between local, county and state partners.”

“If we want to live in healthier, safer neighborhoods where all of us can thrive, investments like these are critical.” Collett said. “I was proud to work with partners on the state and local levels to support infrastructure projects that have tangible impacts on our communities, economy and future.”

154th District

The Commonwealth Financing Authority has approved nearly $2 million in grant funding for projects in the 154th Legislative District, announced state Rep. Napoleon Nelson.

“We will now see almost $2 million in grant funding coming to our district,” said Nelson. “Money will be going to support the firefighters who protect us every day and to fund renovations to keep our community spaces thriving. I will keep pushing to make sure our community gets the funding it needs, and I am proud to back these outstanding projects.”

The projects in Nelson’s district that are supported by this funding include:

• $900,000 to support renovations to the La Mott Community Center in Cheltenham Township, including the installation of an ADA-compliant elevator.

• $850,000 to the La Mott Fire Company in Cheltenham Township to support a firehouse addition and renovation project for the nearly 70-year-old building.

• $100,000 to the Jenkintown Education Foundation to support stormwater protection improvements in Legacy Park.

• $63,070 to Cheltenham Township for the Greenway Master Plan in Parkview Park.

• $56,250 to the Cheltenham Township Community Development Corporation to complete a planning study to improve the Elkins Central commercial corridor.