Hanbidge, Collett announce $2 million in grants benefitting volunteer firefighter company and domestic violence shelter
Rep. Liz Hanbidge December 23, 2020 | 5:12 PM
HARRISBURG, Dec. 23 – State Rep. Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery, and Sen. Maria Collett, D-Bucks/Montgomery, today announced that North Penn Volunteer Fire Company and the domestic violence shelter Laurel House both received $1 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants.
“I’m proud to work with Senator Collett and help bring $2 million in state funding home,” Hanbidge said. “Both Laurel House and North Penn Volunteer Fire Company have been there to help county residents through some of the most difficult times of their lives. When people are in crisis, these two facilities are often ones to respond and provide much-needed support. Thank you to the governor for funding these essential resources that help keep Montgomery County residents safe.”
“I was glad to partner with Representative Hanbidge on these two important projects. It’s easy to forget that most of our local fire companies are made up of volunteers,” Collett said. “This grant to the North Penn Volunteer Fire Company will not only help them improve their physical facilities, it will help them recruit and retain new members. The grant to Laurel House is similarly vital to our community safety. Domestic violence is widely misunderstood and often overlooked until it is too late, and any support we can lend to organizations like Laurel House and the families they serve is critical.”
North Penn Volunteer Fire Company will put this funding toward construction costs. This includes the addition of a radio room, a bay window for radio operators to see out of, adding an ADA accessible entrance, ADA parking spaces, new sprinkler piping in the restrooms and improvements to the building’s roof.
Laurel House will also use this grant toward building renovations such as creating ADA-friendly spaces, rooms to accommodate residents with special care needs and installing an elevator. This funding will also help with the creation of a reception area, conference room, large communal kitchen and dining room, multiple bathrooms, separate client meeting rooms, a children's play area, library, administrative offices and storage.
The RACP is administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects.