News Release
For Immediate Release
November 21, 2011
Contact: Aaron Zappia
(215) 657-7700

State Approves $2 Million for Local Infrastructure 

Today, State Senator Stewart J. Greenleaf announced that applications for state funding were approved for four projects in the townships of Upper Southampton, Warminster, Lower Moreland and for the North Wales Water Authority.  Each of the four projects will receive $500,000.  The money will fund storm water management and infrastructure development.  Senator Greenleaf sponsored the grants and strongly advocated for their approval.

The funding is awarded through Pennsylvania's Redevelopment Assistance Capitol Program (RACP)—a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, and historical improvement projects.  A project is eligible for RACP funding only if it has been written into an act—such as a Capital Budget Project Itemization Act—passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor.  In today's economic climate, limited capital is being focused on projects that display the highest potential for improving economic growth and the creation of jobs.

Click Here for more information on RACP grants.

Upper Southampton:  Construct and repair storm water facilities such as storm inlets, pipes, basins, storm water storage areas, culverts, stream bank stabilization, stream channel realignments, easement acquisition, legal and engineering design and inspection.

Warminster:  Regional Stormwater and Basin Improvements.

Lower Moreland:  Along with the Township's Revitalization District, a feasibility study was done for a greenway in the Philmont Ave. corridor.  RACP funding will complete Phase I of the plan, which is detailed in the feasibility study.  The two main aspects of Phase 1 are to establish a trail from the Bethayres train station to the existing sidewalk on Red Lion Rd., and to extend the sidewalk on Welsh Rd. from Terwood Drive to the post office.

North Wales Water Authority:  Funding will be used for the decommissioning of the old wastewater treatment plant, removal and recycling of materials from the premises, important environmental evaluations and site cleanup, as well as site restoration.

"This funding is vital to our local municipalities to help update waste water and other infrastructure that is needed to protect human health and property," said Senator Greenleaf.  "Storm water management is perennially one of the greatest challenges our local governments face.  If storm water is improperly managed, it may result in flooding, water contamination, and other environmental hazards."

"These projects are as well an economic benefit—they create jobs.  Our infrastructure is in need of improvement weather for storm water, sidewalks, or roads and bridges.  Improved infrastructure attracts businesses to our area."