(Credit: LevittownNow)
The Redevelopment Authority of Bucks County has awarded a total of $3.8 million in gaming funds to local municipalities at its recent public meeting.
The funds are generated through Parx Casino in Bensalem Township and will support a variety of municipal projects aimed at improving infrastructure, public safety, and community health.
The grants were approved during a meeting held on December 20 at the Redevelopment Authority’s office in Bristol Borough.
The Municipal Grant Program, which was established in 2008, provides funding to municipalities most impacted by the gaming facility’s operations, officials said.
Eligible municipalities, which are those that are contiguous to Bensalem Township or fall entirely within a contiguous area, are able to get the funding. Bensalem Township and Bucks County government are also eligible for the funding.
Over several months last year, local municipalities repaired their grant requests for the Redevelopment Authority of Bucks County.
“By funding projects that improve infrastructure, strengthen public safety, and enhance overall well being, the Municipal Grant Program creates lasting benefits for municipalities,” said Ralph DiGuiseppe, chairman of the authority board and Bristol Borough Council president. “I applaud the dedication and strategic planning shown by local leaders in bringing forward projects that truly make a difference. The Municipal Grant Program is critical for helping our communities tackle the challenges associated with gaming impacts. It plays a crucial role in improving and maintaining the quality of life for residents in our communities.”
This year’s grants included 38 projects across 10 municipalities. More than $1.5 million was allocated to law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency responders, while over $1 million went toward infrastructure and facility improvements. An additional $1.2 million supported public health and safety initiatives, officials said.
The funding is drawn from 1 percent of the gross terminal revenue from Parx Casino and is authorized under the Pennsylvania Race Horse and Development Gaming Act of 2004, as amended by the Act of October 30, 2017. Former State Sen. Tommy Tomlinson, a Republican, introduced and supported the legislation that made the grant program possible.
Since its inception, the Municipal Grant Program has awarded over $64 million for eligible projects.
| Project | Award |
| Continued Integration of Police Records Management System Throughout Bucks County | $ 118,900 |
| Towns Against Graffiti | $ 165,000 |
| Bristol Borough Streetlight Improvements for Public Safety | $ 500,000 |
| Bristol Borough Security Cameras & License Plate Recognition Camera Systems | $ 113,814 |
| Bristol Borough Police Department Vehicle Acquisition | $ 145,463 |
| Bristol Borough Public Works Pick Up Truck | $ 69,023 |
| Bucks County Rescue Squad Ambulance | $ 196,499 |
| Bristol Township Police Department Axon Body and In-Dash Camera System | $ 133,092 |
| Bristol Township Police Department Speed Display & Speed Trailer Signs | $ 17,136 |
| Bristol Township Fire Rescue Bus Accident Response Utility Vehicle & Trailer | $ 37,855 |
| Edgely Fire Company Replacement of Vehicle Rescue Tools and Firefighting Attack Hose | $ 40,000 |
| Levittown Fire Company No. 2 SCBA Scott Air Packs | $ 40,000 |
| Croydon Fire Company Engine Bay Doors | $ 40,000 |
| Third District Fire Company Rescue Tools | $ 40,000 |
| Newportville Fire Company Equipment | $ 40,000 |
| Levittown-Fairless Hills Rescue Squad Ambulance Remount | $ 20,000 |
| Bucks County Rescue Squad Replacement Equipment | $ 40,000 |
| Lower Bucks Public Safety Training Center Operations | $ 600,000 |
| Hulmeville Borough Road Repair/Resurfacing – Phase III | $ 150,000 |
| Hulmeville Borough Police Station & Emergency Operation Center Upgrade | $ 44,166 |
| Hulmeville Borough Police Department Vehicle Acquisition | $ 72,299 |
| Langhorne Borough Paving and Sidewalk Project | $ 75,000 |
| Langhorne Borough Intersection/Security Camera Upgrades | $ 39,397 |
| Langhorne Borough Speed Cushion – Traffic Calming Project | $ 8,031 |
| Langhorne Borough Police Department Equipment | $ 24,844 |
| Penndel–Middletown Emergency Squad Oxygen Cascade Filling Station | $ 18,601 |
| Langhorne Manor Borough Road Repairs | $ 50,000 |
| Langhorne Manor Borough Police Department Vehicle Acquisition | $ 83,146 |
| Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad’s Purchase of Advanced Life Support Ambulance | $ 110,000 |
| Lower Southampton Township Police Department Vehicle Acquisition | $ 80,831 |
| Lower Southampton Township Public Works Marathon Diesel-Fired Mastic Mixer Purchase | $ 47,500 |
| Middletown Township Police Department Vehicle Acquisition | $ 234,105 |
| Middletown Township Public Works Vehicle Acquisition | $ 188,166 |
| Middletown Township North Station Improvements | $ 46,939 |
| Penndel-Middletown Emergency Squad Driveway and Parking Lot Restoration | $ 16,200 |
| Parkland Fire Company Turnout Gear Replacement | $ 44,548 |
| Penndel Borough Traffic Signal Upgrades | $ 62,309 |
| Penndel Borough Police Department Vehicle Acquisition | $ 65,311.99 |
| Total: | $ 3,818,175.99 |
