ROYERSFORD, PA — Two public safety projects in Chester County will receive a combined $2.75 million in state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants to expand emergency medical services in East Vincent Township and modernize Schuylkill Township’s police and municipal facilities.
State Sen. Katie Muth said Friendship Ambulance was awarded $1.95 million to construct a new ambulance station in East Vincent Township, while Schuylkill Township received $800,000 for renovations to its police station and municipal offices.
The grants are part of the competitive Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, which provides state funding for acquisition and construction projects supporting economic, civic and community development. Recipients must provide a dollar-for-dollar non-state funding match and pay project costs before receiving state reimbursement.
The new Friendship Ambulance station will become the primary 24-hour emergency medical response facility for East Vincent Township and Spring City. It will also provide backup coverage for Royersford, East Coventry, North Coventry, East Pikeland and Limerick Township.
Friendship Ambulance currently houses the East Vincent ambulance in Spring City through a cooperative agreement with the Liberty Steam Fire Company. The unit is dispatched through the Chester County Department of Emergency Services.
“This significant investment represents far more than just brick and mortar; it is a direct investment in the safety, health, and resilience of our community,” George Gilliano, EMS director and chief of operations for Friendship Ambulance, stated. “Senator Katie Muth’s advocacy ensures that our dedicated EMS personnel have the resources they need to protect and care for the residents of East Vincent Township and our surrounding service areas.”
Schuylkill Township will use its grant to renovate its police station by upgrading locker rooms, restrooms and showers, expanding secure evidence and ammunition storage, and adding an interview room and holding cell.
The funding will also support renovations to the township’s administrative offices, including updated office space, flexible workstations and a conference room that can also serve as caucus space for the Board of Supervisors.
“With the legislature enacting another state budget that lacks meaningful support for our first responders, this grant funding to build a new EMS facility in East Vincent Township and to enhance facilities for Schuylkill Township Police Department is a critical and necessary investment in public safety in SD44,” Muth said.
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