Community Project Funding

The House Committee on Appropriations announced in 2021 that they would bring back member directed Community Project Funding for the first time in over a decade. Community Project Funding is a vital way that Members of Congress can advocate for projects in their communities. Applications for FY25 Community Project Funding are now open. Please submit your application here, and click here for our office's applicant guide as well. The deadline for submission is midnight on Monday, April, 29th. Since the applications put forward by our office need approval by the House Committee on Appropriations, please refer to this guidance from the Committee to ensure your application is fundable.

Like so many things in this job, I couldn’t do this alone!

That’s why I have assembled a non-partisan panel of 15 community leaders from across the district that were as diverse as we are here in Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District.

To view a recording of Rep. Houlahan's Community Project Funding Grants Webinar click here, and to view presentation slides from the webinar, click here.

For more information on Community Project Funding, click here or watch below.

Questions? Email PA06.CPF@mail.house.gov

Below you will find four of the projects we requested for Fiscal Year 2024 with the help of that board of community leaders.

Community Project Funding Awarded on Behalf of Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District

The following projects are listed in alphabetical order by applicant:

Applicant: Albright College, Innovation Corridor Life Science-Based Incubator: Camp Building Renovation Phase 1, 1621 N 13th St, Reading, PA 19604

Amount: $3,000,000

Purpose: Albright College is seeking funding for the 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.

Letter clarifying there is no personal financial interest in this project, and stating that the project has a federal nexus because the funding is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).

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Applicant: Ann’s Heart, Purchase of Campus – Non Profit Hub, 35 Hall Street Phoenixville, PA 19460

Amount: $977,573

Purpose: 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.

Letter clarifying there is no personal financial interest in this project, and stating that the project has a federal nexus because the funding is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).

Applicant: Berwyn Fire Company, Berwyn Fire Company/ EMS Station Infrastructure Project, 23 Bridge Avenue, Berwyn, PA 19312

Amount: $500,000

Purpose: The funding would be used for the sitework construction/demolition of the existing station that was constructed in 1929 and to expand the facility for an updated fire/emergency medical services station. Additionally, funding is being sought to assist with the construction of the station itself as it relates to key areas that will be used most frequently aimed at first responder health and safety, emergency coordination and daily facility functionality. This station will continue to serve nearly 30,000 residents in Tredyffrin Township and Easttown Township.

Letter clarifying there is no personal financial interest in this project, and stating that the project has a federal nexus consistent with the office of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development’s mission and aligned with one or more of the purposes described in the Economic Development Initiative program, section 5305 (a) (4).

Applicant: Borough of Kennett Square, Kennett Square Wastewater Treatment Plant - UV Disinfection Project, 600 South Broad Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348

Amount: $959,752

Purpose: The Borough of Kennett Square’s waste water treatment plant (WWTP), Chester County Pennsylvania is expected to exceed its capacity in the near future, and components of the facility are quickly becoming obsolete. In order to mitigate future sewer and storm water service interruptions, the Borough is expanding the facility’s capacity from 1.1 million gallons per day (mgd) to 1.8 mgd of liquid processing — an increase of more than 60 percent. Currently, the WWTP provides services to about 10,000 residents, located in the Borough and Kennett Township.

Letter clarifying there is no personal financial interest in this project, and stating that this project has a federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by Title VI of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C 1381 et seq.

Applicant: City of Coatesville, The Ash Park Master Plan Implementation Phase 2 Project, 1 City Hall Place, Coatesville, PA 19320

Amount: $959,752

Purpose: The City of Coatesville is seeking funding to implement the second phase of its Ash Park Master Plan completed in 2021, which includes the installation of additional storm water management measures that will serve to greatly mitigate flooding in that area of the City. The funding request focuses on implementing subsequent phases of the Ash Park Master Plan, to include a $2.3M phase that will build upon the implementation of storm water measures included in Phase I, by establishing a loop trail and associated connector trails throughout park, create a new entry from South 4th Avenue, construct various storm water BMPs including sub-drainage under the field, community wet meadow with boardwalk, drainage swales, and install trees and meadow areas. ADA improvements are also included in this phase to provide access for all who wish to enjoy Ash Park.

Letter clarifying there is no personal financial interest in this project, and stating that the project has a federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by Title VI of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C 1381 et seq.

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Applicant: East Fallowfield Township, East Fallowfield Township Police Department/Municipal Complex Construction, 221 Wilmington Road, East Fallowfield Township, PA 19320

Amount: $550,000

Purpose: The funding would be used for design and construction of the future municipal complex building, which will house the police department. The project will significantly improve police operations and efficiencies of a full-time police department and will become a welcoming place for township business and community functions.

Applicant: FarmerJawn and Friends Foundation Fund, the FarmerJawn Barn Revitalization Chester County PA project, 1023 Westtown Road, Westtown, PA 19382

Amount: $657,000

Purpose: FarmerJawn is one of the newest additions to the Chester County agricultural community and brings a unique combination of skills and interests to the community. This non-profit teaches agricultural skills and essential entrepreneurship qualities. The funding requested will renovate their aging barn to include hydroponic facilities, allowing them to teach this innovative agricultural practice to our community.

Letter clarifying there is no personal financial interest in this project, and stating that this project has a federal nexus because it is for the purposes authorized in Section 306 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, 7 U.S. Code section 1926(a).

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Applicant: The Garage Community and Youth Center, The Garage Community and Youth Center/ Rain Garden and Green Roof, 121 Pennsylvania Ave, Avondale PA 19311

Amount: $112,500

Purpose: The funding would be used for the removal of 4,125 square feet of impervious space and to create a STEM focused learning center located in Avondale, Pennsylvania. The project will mitigate stormwater run-off and create life skills and workforce development opportunities for disadvantaged area youth.

Applicant: Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank, Community Kitchen and Workforce Training Center Renovation Project, 201 Washington Street, Reading, PA 19601

Amount: $500,000

Purpose: 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.

Letter clarifying there is no personal financial interest in this project, and stating that the project has a federal nexus because the funding is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).

Applicant: Mohnton Borough, The Mohnton Borough PA Highbrook Stormwater Channel Stabilization Project, 21 N. O’Neil Street, Mohnton, PA 19540

Amount: $315,488

Purpose: The Highbrook Channel Stabilization project will renovate a storm sewer to contain flowing storm water during rainfall events. The project involves installation of new pipe, large rock and bulk fill material to mitigate future erosion and increase water quality in the stream. The project is for the benefit of residents in the Borough of Mohnton, including an adjacent apartment building and its associated ADA ramp due to erosion, and prevent destabilization of a condominium complex foundation.

Letter clarifying there is no personal financial interest in this project, and stating that the project has a federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by the Soil Conservation and Allotment Domestic Act of 1935, 16 U.S. Code sections 590a-590d and 590f-g.

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Applicant: Opportunity House, Oakbrook Homes Center for Early Education, 1001 Scott Street, Reading, PA 19611

Amount: $1,925,000

Purpose: 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.

Letter clarifying there is no personal financial interest in this project, and stating that the project has a federal nexus because the funding is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).

Applicant: Phoenixville Police Department, Phoenixville Police Department Law Enforcement 21st Century Policing Initiative, 351 Bridge St. Phoenixville PA 19460

Amount: $107,000

Purpose: The Phoenixville Police Department is seeking funding to purchase 6 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.

Letter clarifying there is no personal financial interest in this project, and stating that the project has a federal nexus because the funding is for purposes authorized by section 1701(b)(8) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. § 10381(b)(8)).

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Applicant: Reading Area Community College, Capital Improvements and Repairs - Workforce Development at Reading Area Community College, 10 S. 2nd Street, Reading, PA 19603- 1014

Amount: $1,035,000

Purpose: 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.

Letter clarifying there is no personal financial interest in this project, and stating that the project has a federal nexus because the funding is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).

Applicant: Southern Chester County Regional Police Department, Body Worn Camera and Taser Project, 8934 Gap Newport Pike, Landenberg, PA 19350

Amount: $117,000

Purpose: The Southern Chester County Regional Police Department is seeking funding to purchase new equipment for the department. This funding will be used to purchase body worn cameras, which will provide an objective account of officers’ experiences to help both the force and the community. It will also fund the purchase of tasers, which help officers preserve human life in dangerous situations.

For more on FY2023 projects, click here.

For more on FY2022 projects, click here.