In the closing weeks of 2023, lawmakers helped secure state funding for several southern Chester County municipalities that are planning important infrastructure projects.

State Rep. John Lawrence worked to get $1.1 million in state grants for municipal water infrastructure improvements in Oxford Borough and West Grove Borough.

Oxford will receive a $600,000 state grant to update metering infrastructure across the borough’s municipal water system.  West Grove will receive a $500,000 state grant to replace a failing municipal water main adjacent to East Evergreen Street on the northeast side of the borough.  Oxford and West Grove are both in the midst of initiatives to upgrade their municipal water systems to improve service for residents and business owners.

“Regular upgrades of municipal water infrastructure help to keep rates reasonable while providing quality service to the community,” said Lawrence.  “These grant awards are very competitive – today’s announcement is the culmination of a lot of hard work and will go a long way to improving water service for the two boroughs in our area.”  

Kathryn Cloyd, the Oxford Borough Council president, talked about some of the efficiencies that the upgrades will create.

 “In order for the borough to ensure the sustainability of our municipal water system, we must make strategic investments into critical infrastructure,” Cloyd said. “This grant will enable us to improve efficiency and customer service with the installation of Advanced Metering.  Improved efficiency saves tax dollars and time.  We thank our legislators and the Commonwealth Financing Authority for this support.”

Greg McCummings, the West Grove Borough Manager, expressed his gratitude to the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) for the grant funding.

“West Grove Borough would like to thank the CFA for this grant,” said McCummings. “The funding will be used to replace the undersized 4-inch cast iron water main in the northeast corner of the borough with a larger ductile iron concrete lined water line.  Two additional fire hydrants will be added in the area, improving fire protection and safety along with improving the reliability of the borough’s water distribution system for future generations.”

State Sen. John I. Kane, who represents the 9th Senatorial District, and State Representative Christina D. Sappey, who represents the 158th House District, announced that they have secured over $900,000 in H2O and SWS grants. This money will go toward important upgrades to water treatment and wastewater handling facilities in the district.

The Borough of Kennett Square will receive $551,500 from the H2O PA funds toward the construction of a new water treatment facility in East Marlborough Township. Avondale Borough will receive $400,057 from the PA Small Water and Sewer funds to make upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant.

“This achievement exemplifies our steadfast commitment to the well-being of our constituents and the environment,” said Kane. “Our gratitude extends to those whose diligent efforts helped secure these grants. We are eager to see the enhancements these funds will bring to our communities.”

State Rep. Sappey added, “I am grateful for Senator Kane’s support for these grant awardees in our shared districts. Our local municipalities are working hard to meet the challenges of aging infrastructure to our water and wastewater systems. This grant funding will help local authorities make needed repairs and upgrades to water systems, benefitting the residents of these communities.”

Lawrence talked about the importance of making sure that southern Chester County municipalities receive their fair share of available grant funding.

“Growing up in southern Chester County, I always thought our area saw little attention from Harrisburg, with few state grant dollars coming back to our community.  During my time in office, I’ve made it a priority to change that,” added Lawrence. “Working with local municipalities and other elected officials, together we have ensured our community is not forgotten when it comes to state funding. These dollars will be put to good use to improve infrastructure both for today and the next generation.”