HARRISBURG, PA — State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten announced that more than $2.1 million in state funding has been approved for a wide range of public safety, infrastructure, and recreation projects across central Chester County, channeling casino tax revenues into local needs from flood mitigation to emergency response.
The $2,150,966 package was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through Pennsylvania’s Local Share Account program, which distributes gaming revenues to projects deemed to be in the public interest.
Otten said the grants focus on public health and safety, emergency services, traffic reliability, and outdoor recreation, while helping municipalities contend with population growth, rising operating costs, and increasingly severe weather.
Among the largest awards, Downingtown Borough will receive $375,000 to complete the Downingtown Area Flood Planning Project, an intermunicipal effort with Caln Township aimed at developing a comprehensive flood mitigation strategy for areas repeatedly affected by flooding.
Caln Township was awarded $142,763 to purchase two electric police vehicles and install related equipment, a move intended to reduce emissions and fuel costs. The township will also benefit from a $350,000 grant to the Thorndale Fire Company to help purchase a new rescue pumper, replacing an aging 2003 apparatus.
Emergency medical services received a significant share of the funding. The Uwchlan Ambulance Corps was awarded $401,082 to purchase two new ambulances to replace or supplement vehicles that are more than 16 years old, along with an additional $104,961 for four new heart monitors to support care across its expanding service area.
Traffic safety and law enforcement upgrades were also funded. Upper Uwchlan Township will receive $200,000 for traffic signal improvements near Graphite Mine Road to ensure reliable emergency responses. Uwchlan Township was awarded $32,160 to replace outdated body cameras for its police department.
Several grants target recreation and environmental improvements. Uwchlan Township will receive $245,000 to create a nature playground at Shamona Peck Park, featuring natural play elements, sensory gardens, and landscaped pathways. Wallace Township was awarded $200,000 to install a pedestrian bridge over Indian Run, connecting existing trails with Springton Manor Farm as part of a broader trail network.
Infrastructure funding includes $100,000 for the West Brandywine Township Municipal Authority to repair deteriorating sanitary sewer trunk line manholes, a project aimed at reducing corrosion and preventing future system failures.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority board, an independent state agency that oversees Pennsylvania’s economic development programs, approved the grants. Supporters say the funding will deliver immediate safety benefits while laying groundwork for long-term resilience across the district.
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