WEST GROVE, PA — Two southern Chester County projects will receive nearly $1.4 million in state funding for a new Oxford fire engine and a water-system connection in London Grove Township, directing public money toward emergency-response equipment and municipal infrastructure.
State Rep. John Lawrence disclosed the awards, which total $1.395 million and are funded through Pennsylvania’s statewide Local Share Account program. The program distributes gaming revenue through the Commonwealth Financing Authority for projects in the public interest.
Union Fire Company in Oxford will receive $795,000 toward a new fire engine replacing a rescue pumper that is more than 20 years old. The replacement is intended to meet current safety standards and the company’s projected service needs.
Lawrence credited state Sen. Carolyn Comitta with working to secure the funding for the Oxford project.
“This substantial state funding comes at an important time for Union Fire Company and helps ensure our firefighters have the equipment they need to serve our community,” Lawrence said.
Comitta said emergency-response investments help support public-safety services across Chester County.
“Strong emergency response and public safety services are integral to a strong quality of life in our communities,” Comitta said. “These investments will help ensure that residents and families across Chester County know that help is just a phone call away should an emergency arise.”
London Grove Township will receive a separate $600,000 award to build a supply line and pump station connecting the township’s water system with a Chester Water Authority supply line.
The project is intended to increase water-system reliability, quality and flow for homes, businesses and schools in London Grove, according to Lawrence. He credited state Sen. John Kane with collaborating on that award.
Lawrence said hundreds of schoolchildren are expected to benefit from the water infrastructure improvements.
“Improving local municipal water infrastructure in southern Chester County is critical to everyone in the community,” Lawrence said. He added that the connection would strengthen regional water reliability.
Kane said the project would also support construction employment and local investment.
“Strategic investments like this project in London Grove Township create jobs during construction, attract additional investments, strengthen our institutions, and improve the services available to families across our communities,” Kane said.
The statewide Local Share Account supports public-interest and quality-of-life projects using revenue authorized under Pennsylvania’s gaming law. Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, municipal authorities and several other public or economic-development entities.
The program does not currently require matching funds, and grants can reach as much as $1 million, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
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