Dean, Houlahan announce federal funding for local projects

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As a result of the passage of two recent funding packages, two U.S. House Democrats running for reelection have announced the securing of $23.6 million for 28 community projects in Chester, Berks and Montgomery counties.

The U.S. representatives are Madeleine Dean, D-4th Dist., and Chrissy Houlahan, D-6th Dist. Together, both districts include parts of Berks County and the majority of both Montgomery and Chester counties.

According to a press release from Dean’s office, “this funding, included in the first of two government funding packages, will help address some of the most pressing needs in Berks and Montgomery Counties — including PFAS mitigation, infrastructure upgrades, affordable housing, and community centers.”

Ten of the 28 projects announced are located in the greater Pottstown area and add up to a total of $9,761,913 in federal funding.

Montgomery County

Significant among these projects for the greater Pottstown area is roughly $4 million for five major projects:

• $1 million to remove the blighted property of the former Pottstown Dairy at Chestnut and North Washington streets and replace it with five single-family low- to moderate-income homes through Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery and Delaware counties.

The homes will be approximately 1,500 square feet and consist of three- and four-bedroom units and two bathrooms. The homes will be sold to low/moderate income families currently residing in Montgomery or Delaware Counties. The cost of the home will not exceed 30 percent of the family gross monthly income. This is possible by Habitat for Humanity MDC providing the mortgage for an ultra low zero to 3 percent interest rate and originating and servicing the mortgage for 30 years. Property values are stabilized by a silent second mortgage that is forgiven when the first is satisfied by the homeowner. The home remains affordable for 30 years and can be transferred to heirs.

• $1,287,779 to the Montgomery County Housing Authority to all four of its high-rise structures designed for elderly and disabled populations; two of which are in Pottstown and one of which is in Royersford. The fourth is in Conshohocken.

At the Sidney Pollock House at High and Washington streets in Pottstown, the money will pay to replace and upgrade the aging boiler that provides heat and hot water to all 102 units in the building and replace the thermostats within all 102 units. At the Robert Smith Towers across the street the money will replace the aging roof on the building that contains 80 residential units. At Golden Age Manor in Royersford, the money will replace the aging roof on the building that contains 85 residential units. Golden Age Manor will also expand the residential unit count by redesigning currently underutilized space to create two new fully handicapped residential units and other exterior and interior ADA improvements that will serve the entire building.

• $500,000 to replace the roof, at The Complex on North Adams Street, home to programs run by the YWCA, YMCA and other agencies. The money will also replace and improve HVAC systems, and renovate ADA-compliant restrooms.

A persistent standing water problem has led to leaks running the entire length of the roof. The roof is irreparable and must be replaced to eliminate the standing water and protect not only the structure but the health and safety of people inside the building. The aging HVAC system includes a steam boiler installed in 1969 that must be replaced. Heat pumps that heat and cool one portion of the building also must be replaced. Air conditioning systems must be reconfigured to cool all three floors of the building. The restrooms, also original to the building, are ADA compliant but are aging and present safety hazards.

• $1 million out of an estimated total cost of $3 million for Ursinus College toward the revitalization of the 400 block of Main Street in Collegeville. This block is an extension of the campus and a gateway to the community, and federal support was sought to further advance our joint project between the college and the borough of creating a vibrant, accessible, and integrated college town that blends restaurants and retail in one welcoming, walkable streetscape.

• $344,561 will be used to benefit the residents of East Greenville Borough by maintaining and preserving a source of drinking water for the borough. “As East Greenville experiences more severe rainstorms, silt, sediment, and debris are washed down the creek and into the impoundment dam area, limiting the volume of water in the dam. This project will remove silt and sediment from the water impoundment dam; ensuring an adequate supply of drinking water that can be drawn into the East Greenville Borough’s Water Treatment Plant. An added benefit will be to increase the depth of the water, reducing the water temperature during summer months which is more beneficial for aquatic life and fish,” reads the description on Dean’s website.

Projects receiving funding in Berks and Chester counties were announced through Houlahan’s office.

While each congressional office processes Community Project Funding requests differently, all House members are required to publicly disclose their selections and sign letters certifying they have no personal financial interest in the projects. To ensure transparency for and accountability to her constituents, Houlahan goes above and beyond House guidelines by utilizing a nonpartisan board of community leaders to review applications and to make recommendations regarding project selection.

“With the help of our board of nonpartisan local leaders, we were able to advocate for projects that will positively impact our community and the region at large. I look forward to seeing these projects make a real, tangible difference in the lives of residents in Berks and Chester Counties.”

Berks County

• $3 million for Albright College’s, Innovation Corridor Life Science-Based Incubator.

This funding will support the costs needed for Phase 1 renovations of the historic Leo Camp Building on the Albright College campus into a state-of-the-art facility optimized for biological, pharmaceutical and life science-based and technology workforce, economic, and small business incubator development. The initiatives associated with the project will impact scientists, community entrepreneurs, students and educators of all ages, small business development, intellectual property incubation, experiential learning, elite training, technological exploration, and multi-purpose community engagement.

• $1,035,000 for Reading Area Community College, Capital Improvements and Repairs – Workforce Development

The funding would be used for an advanced manufacturing workforce development program. The project will address a workforce shortage of computer numerically controlled (CNC) operators that are needed throughout Berks County’s manufacturers for continued expansion and economic development.

• $500,000 for Helping Harvest, Community Kitchen, 201 Washington St., Reading.

The funding would be used for a community kitchen and it will provide culinary and job training skills, a site to sort bulk item foods, and distribute food to the community in need.

$1,925,000 for Reading’s Oakbrook Homes Center For Early Education, 1001 Scott St., Reading

The funding would be used to repurpose two existing buildings to be used as a Neighborhood Services Center and Family Services Complex. The project will provide access to services for economic and food insecurity.

Chester County

• $977,573 for Ann’s Heart, 35 Hall St., Phoenixville, Purchase of Campus.

The funding would be used for the acquisition of the campus that they currently lease. The project will ensure the location continues as a hub for supportive services such as housing case management, an emergency shelter, and a commercial kitchen for food preparation and distribution.

• $117,000 for Phoenixville Police Department, Law Enforcement 21st Century Policing Initiative.

The Phoenixville Police Department will use the money to purchase six new body-worn cameras with a server, a handheld rapid drug identification device, and a portable safety camera for events. The  Phoenixville Police Department’s current body-worn cameras have been used consistently since 2015 and are in need of an update. The portable safety camera will provide better surveillance of large crowds and events.

“Community Project Funding Grants make an enormous difference,” Houlahan said in a press release announcing the funding. “This process is one of the best examples I can think of where the federal government is able to directly impact our home districts. And no one knows what is better for our communities than our communities.”