WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County will receive $1.35 million in state gaming-revenue grants for four projects spanning 911 infrastructure, security at the Downingtown Trestle Bridge, flood preparedness and heritage tourism, directing the largest awards toward public-safety risks and emergency communications.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded $1,352,751 through Pennsylvania’s Local Share Account program, which distributes gaming revenue for community and economic development projects. Chester County detailed the finalized awards Sept. 24.
The largest grant, $500,000, will fund safety and security measures at the Downingtown Trestle Bridge, where unauthorized access has created public-safety, security, and liability concerns.
Another $400,000 will support a major upgrade of the county’s 911 phone system. The project is intended to improve reliability and cybersecurity while adding capabilities for call management, transcription and translation, multimedia sharing and real-time threat monitoring.
Flood-preparedness work will receive $252,751 for high-risk locations in Avondale, Caln Township, Coatesville, Downingtown, East Bradford Township and Valley Township.
The remaining $200,000 will fund a second phase of interactive digital kiosks at heritage tourism sites across Chester County. An earlier phase received $333,500 in Local Share Account funding in 2024.
The four projects are being led through Chester County’s Department of Emergency Services, Parks + Preservation, Water Resources Authority, and Planning Commission.
“These investments in strengthening our emergency response system, continuing to secure the Trestle Bridge, managing flood safety, and supporting tourism will add to the great quality of life that residents and visitors enjoy in communities across Chester County,” state Sen. Carolyn Comitta said.
The Chester County Commissioners characterized the September funding round as highly competitive and credited state lawmakers with supporting the county’s applications.
The awards are part of Pennsylvania’s Local Share Account program, which uses gaming revenue to finance eligible community and economic development projects.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.