State Rep. Joe Ciresi recently announced that he secured $855,333 in state government grants for projects in the 146th Legislative District.
“These grants will help meet the important needs of our first responders, invest in our local school facilities, and help beautify downtown Pottstown, contributing to its ongoing revitalization,” Ciresi said in a press release announcing the grants. “This is a prime example of taxpayer money being brought back home to improve the quality of life here in a variety of different ways.”
The following grants are from Statewide Local Share Account funding. It comes from the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, which provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest in Pennsylvania:
• $150,270 — Lower Pottsgrove Township Municipal Radio System: The funds will be used to purchase a radio system for the municipality, which will include the purchase of 45 mobile radios, the purchase and installation of a VHF repeater and professional services costs.
“The purchase of these radios will be a great asset to our first responders during emergencies and times of heavy radio traffic, allowing for communication on the municipal side,” said Township Commissioner Ray Lopez, who is also Lower Pottsgrove’s emergency management coordinator. “This will ensure more reliable communication links among our team members and support live-saving efforts on our own municipal frequency.”
• $90,000 — Pottstown Downtown Streetscape Plan: The funds will be used to help develop a comprehensive plan to improve Pottstown’s streetscape, including strategies to beautify vacant storefronts, design outdoor areas for recreation and social gatherings, and give the walking corridor a safe and welcoming atmosphere. The project will include assessment, focus groups, and plan development.
“Pottstown Area Economic Development is grateful to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for this investment from the DCED – LSA program, which provides an opportunity to accelerate Pottstown’s revitalization efforts in our downtown,” said Peggy Lee-Clark, executive director of Pottstown Area Economic Development, which received a grant for its Pottstown Downtown Streetscape Plan. “In addition, we are humbled by the confidence in Pottstown and PAED demonstrated on a regular basis by our state elected officials, Representative Ciresi and Senator Pennycuick.”
• $26,111 — Fire Company Walnut Street Station Upgrade, Royersford Fire Department: The funds will provide upgrades and renovations to the Royersford Fire Department’s Walnut Street station.
• $88,952 — Friendship Ambulance Green Street Facility Renovations: The funds will be used to renovate the Friendship Ambulance’s Green Street Facility. The project will consist of new hallway flooring, replacing all lighting with energy-efficient lights, replacing the sidewalk and front ramp, as well as installing new ceiling tiles.
The following grant comes 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. The program was established in 2023 and is administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development under the direction of the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Grants are available for eligible improvement projects with a total project cost of $500,000 or more and grants cannot exceed $5 million for any project.
• $500,000 — Pottstown School District HVAC Project: The money will help fund an HVAC project at the middle and high school buildings. The project will include a complete heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment replacement at the middle school and high school, resulting in more consistent and regulated temperatures and indoor air quality improvements.
“The Pottstown School District is extremely grateful to be awarded these grant dollars to address the significant HVAC needs in our middle and high school,” said Pottstown School District Superintendent Stephen Rodriguez. “We will continue to maintain our reputation of using funding like this wisely, efficiently, and effectively.”
