PAOLI, PA — In a significant fiscal win for Chester County, State Rep. Melissa Shusterman this week announced the awarding of over $4 million in state grants to various organizations within the 157th Legislative District in 2023. The funds aim to support projects ranging from stormwater management to arts and culture recovery.
Tredyffrin Township and Valley Forge Sewer Authority received a substantial portion of these funds, with grants of $2.2 million and $300,000 respectively, sourced from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). These grants, administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), will fund critical stormwater management projects and sewer system upgrades, vital for maintaining local infrastructure and protecting the environment.
The Timothy School, which specializes in educating children with autism, received an $800,000 Statewide Local Share Account CEDC grant. This funding, derived from gaming revenues, will support the school’s mission to provide life skills and job training for its students, reinforcing the importance of specialized education and the potential it holds for transforming lives.
Transportation improvements also featured prominently among the grant recipients. Willistown Township received $486,226 from PennDOT’s Green Light-Go program to expand the fiber optic communication system along Lancaster Avenue. Additionally, Easttown Township was awarded $200,000 by the CFA Multimodal Transportation Fund for sidewalk and crosswalk construction near Devon Station. These improvements will enhance connectivity, promote safety, and stimulate economic development.
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging granted Surrey Services for Seniors in Devon $19,941 for renovations and improvements to their Center for Healthy Living. This allocation reflects the state’s commitment to supporting senior citizens and enhancing their quality of life.
Lastly, Historic Sugartown in Willistown, a local arts organization, received $13,414 from the CFA ARPA Arts & Culture Recovery program, demonstrating the state’s dedication to preserving cultural heritage and supporting the arts, particularly in the wake of the financial toll of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The more than $4 million awarded to the 157th Legislative District in 2023 is more than just a financial windfall. It represents an investment in the diverse needs of the community, strengthening infrastructure, education, transportation, senior services, and the arts. These grants not only address immediate needs but also contribute to long-term growth and development, reinforcing the importance of such funding in shaping the future of local communities.
As Rep. Shusterman noted, “All aspects of our community will see improvements… Infrastructure, local businesses, parks, schools, seniors, and the people of the 157th Legislative District and Pennsylvania will benefit from this great use of state funds.” It’s a testament to the transformative power of such grants and a hopeful sign of continued investment in the years to come.
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