State Rep. Ben Sanchez announced today the award of several high-profile state grants for local projects that will benefit residents of greater Glenside.

Some grants originated from the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program, which was created to provide grants to public school districts and area career and technical schools for eligible facility improvement projects.

• Abington School District, McKinley Elementary School Energy Savings Project, $1,500,000
  • Abington School District proposes to implement energy savings projects and renovations to improve air quality. Air quality concerns stem from poor HVAC systems as well as old, musty carpets. Installing VCT flooring will eliminate odors and allergens while HVAC system upgrades will help improve overall indoor air quality. Additionally, fluorescent lighting will be replaced with LED. The project will provide the school with reliable systems and immediate cost savings. PSFIG funds will be used for the purchase and installation of equipment, renovation, engineering, and administrative costs.

The other grants originate from the Statewide Local Share Account, which comes from the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act. The act provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest within Pennsylvania.

• Rockledge Borough, MS4 Storm Sewer Filters, $257,000
  • The proposed project will help to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of waters of the Pennsylvania. The borough will implement best management practices to stormwater runoff. The project will consist of the installation of three storm sewer filters at Shady Lane, Rockledge Avenue and Church Road to enable filtration of storm water.
    
• Upper Dublin Township, Craig-Y-Nos Area Sanitary Sewer Installation, $500,000
  • Upper Dublin Township is planning to install public sewer for 48 properties that currently operate with septic systems. The proposed project installs 6,100 linear feet of sewer force main.

“State-level funding is crucial for promoting local development, allowing communities to grow and thrive without directly burdening taxpayers,” Sanchez said. “By investing in key projects such as infrastructure and public services, states help drive progress while keeping local taxes in check. Congratulations to the funding recipients – your dedication is a strong testament to the strength of our community.”

The program is administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development under the direction of the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

“Investments in local infrastructure are critical to making our communities safer and more attractive places to live, work and play,” state Sen. Maria Collett said. “I was proud to work alongside Representative Sanchez to bring this funding home to the Upper Dublin community and ensure our public works systems continue to serve our neighbors well.”

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