| Bucks County Courier Times
When President Joe Biden signed the $13.6 billion appropriations bill last week, it included money for thousands of local projects across the country.
While the bulk of the federal spending is targeted at national priorities and military and humanitarian relief in Ukraine, lawmakers were able to advance funding for projects back in their home districts. Bucks County will see over $6.6 million in funding, said U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-1, of Middletown.
His office shared the list that includes nine projects in Pennsylvania’s First Congressional District.
“I am pleased that community project funding for PA-01 that I have fought for was included in the House-passed bipartisan spending package. This critical funding will soon be delivered to address needs across Bucks and Montgomery counties, including mental health and health services and community and public infrastructure revitalization,” Fitzpatrick said in a statement. ” I look forward to working with community leaders to implement these community projects in a timely fashion.”
Some of the projects are well underway and others are in various planning stages. The nine projects are:
YMCA Fairless Hills Branch revitalization in Bristol Township
The $12 million project will bring a new YMCA to Lower Bucks and officials say it will be ready to open next month. The old building was demolished last year and construction has been underway since. The gymnasium, walking track and pool will be painted and refreshed with an observation area added to the aquatics center. The fitness center will be expanded to accommodate additional cardio equipment and free weight space and a dedicated space for NovaCare Rehabilitation, a YMCA partner. Additionally, a new universal locker room with private changing rooms will be constructed and the building will be completely accessible, according to American with Disabilities Act guidelines.
Funding Secured: $3 million Funding Requested: $600,000
More: The walls are coming down at the Fairless Hill YMCA. Here is the $12 million plan to rebuild.
Newtown Rail Trail extension project
The long-planned Newtown Rail Trail will be an extension of the Pennypack Creek Trail and will use the right-of-way of SEPTA’s former Newtown Line. Once completed, there will be a 25-mile continuous off-road trail from Newtown to the Delaware River in the Holmesburg section of Philadelphia.
Funding Secured: $1 million Funding Requested: $500,000
More: Newtown Rail Trail faces another important crossroads
Bristol Waterfront Park and Maple Beach Road improvements project
The project would improve safety, functionality, and access to the Bristol Waterfront Park and Maple Beach Road Bridge. The reconstruction of the Maple Beach Bridge over Otter Creek will allow visitors to fully enjoy the entire length of the Marsh, provide recreation opportunities in Maple Beach, and offer direct access to the Wastewater Treatment Plant for Borough employees, officials said.
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