South Chester Today

State officials have announced over $2 million in grant funding to support infrastructure projects in southern Chester County. Representative John Lawrence and Senator Carolyn Comitta revealed the allocation, which aims to enhance public safety and improve community facilities.

"Key infrastructure initiatives recognized for state funding will serve the community for decades to come," said Lawrence. He emphasized that the funds address a historical imbalance where Chester County contributed significantly to state revenues but received little in return. The grants are intended to benefit both current and future generations.

Comitta highlighted the importance of accessible outdoor spaces, saying, "Access to parks, trails, playing fields, and outdoor spaces contributes to the health, well-being, and overall quality of life in communities across southern Chester County."

Penn Township is set to receive $500,000 for developing its Sports Park north of Jennersville. This project includes constructing baseball/softball fields with various amenities and multi-purpose fields for sports like soccer and lacrosse. Additional features include ADA-compliant walkways and restrooms.

Victor Mantegna from Penn Township expressed gratitude for the grant: "This grant will fund the playing fields portion of the sport park providing for the recreational needs of children and adults throughout southern Chester County."

The Oxford Area Recreation Authority will get over $650,000 for upgrades at community park facilities in East Nottingham Township. Planned improvements include paving parking lots, installing new lighting and fencing, renovating sheds, and adding restrooms.

John Reynolds Jr., vice chair of the authority, noted their anticipation: "Oxford Area Recreation Authority has been anxiously awaiting the approval of this grant as the funding will be used to add to and improve facilities."

Avon Grove School District is allocated $1 million for renovations at two schools aimed at replacing outdated HVAC systems with modern equipment.

Bonnie Wolff from Avon Grove School Board stated: "Our students and teachers deserve comfortable, healthy spaces to learn and grow."

London Britain Township receives over $136,000 for engineering work on a wastewater plant along Chambers Rock Road and installing traffic warning devices on Route 896.

Brian Sachs from London Britain Township acknowledged these efforts: "These lights are a much-needed safety improvement... This infrastructure improvement will make the plant run more efficiently."

The grants were awarded through competitive state programs including Local Share Account funds administered by Commonwealth Financing Authority.