West Chester, Pa − October 27, 2022 – Plans to build a new Firehouse and Public Works facility in the City of Coatesville got a major boost this week with $3.5 million in state funding thanks to the work of Senator Carolyn Comitta and state Rep. Dan Williams.
The funding, awarded to the city through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, will be used to demolish the existing public works building and construct a new building that will also house a new fire station.
“Coatesville residents deserve strong emergency services and strong public works services now and in the future as the city continues to make significant progress in community revitalization,” Comitta said. “This investment will help ensure a healthy, safe, and thriving environment for Coatesville families, businesses, and employees to live, work, and pursue new opportunities.”
“I’m proud to help bring this substantial funding to the City of Coatesville,” Williams said. “This will allow them to build a new city-owned fire station and a new much-needed public works facility. Infrastructure like this will not only benefit Coatesville residents and visitors but is a key component of successful redevelopment. I’ll continue working hard to bring state funds to the 74th District.”
Coatesville’s existing Public Works building is more than 70 years old and in need of extensive and expensive repairs, including a new roof and HVAC system. In its current state, the building is not only outdated, but it is also growing increasingly unsafe and at potential risk of collapsing.
In addition, the city is in need of its own designated location for a central firehouse, as it currently rents space from two locations that is shared with other users. By constructing its own firehouse, the city anticipates saving about $50,000 a in year in rent, utilities, and related redundant costs.
The new building will serve the residents of Coatesville, all businesses, and property owners, and neighboring communities through shared response agreements. In addition to the demolition of the existing structure and the construction of the new facility, the funding will support street improvements along City Hall Place and Kersey Street.
The funding was awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), a state grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.
To receive funding, projects must have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity.
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