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PA House OKs Williams bill to help municipalities fight blight by tightening LLC permit rules

(Apr 22, 2025)

Legislation introduced by state Rep. Dan Williams to give local governments the tools they need to fight blight in their communities passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today. Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 22, 2025)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Environmental Protection: Watershed Planning and Restoration Grant Who May Apply: Incorporated watershed associations, counties or municipalities, county conservation districts, council of governments or other authorized organizations including nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and municipal authorities. Use: Examples of eligible projects include existing WIP revision or updates and design and construction of BMPs, including riparian forest buffers, streambank fencing, agricultural erosion and sediment control and nutrient and manure management practices; animal waste storage systems, animal concentration area/animal heavy use area protection and barnyard runoff controls; design and construction of stormwater control measures; AMD treatment systems and other projects that will reduce nonpoint source pollution in watersheds where streams are impaired. Funds: Funds are provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and authorized through Section 319(h) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Application Deadline: June 20, 2025 More information: DEP Website Department of Environmental Protection: Growing Greener Plus Grant Who May Apply: Counties Use: To update a county’s Act 167 plan. Funds: Funding was included in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 state budget and grants will range from $40,000 to $60,000 depending on the county’s Read more

 

Members of PA House Southeast Delegation respond to SEPTA's proposed service cuts & rate hikes

(Apr 10, 2025)

Pennsylvania House lawmakers who represent Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties are expressing concern in response to the budget proposal SEPTA released today that would make drastic service cuts and fare increases to address its budget deficit. Read more

 

PA House OKs Williams bill to enhance reporting on state drug and alcohol initiatives

(Apr 10, 2025)

HARRISBURG, April 10 – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Dan Williams to improve the annual report that the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs submits to the General Assembly passed the Pennsylvania House Wednesday. Williams said that since its inception, DDAP has played a critical role in advancing education, intervention, treatment and recovery initiatives across Pennsylvania. As the state continues to fight the opioid crisis and other emerging drug threats, DDAP has strengthened its collaboration with the departments of Health, Corrections, Human Services and other key agencies. Given DDAP’s growing responsibilities and evolving initiatives, H.B. 640 would update the department’s annual reporting requirements. “Enhancing reporting would allow the General Assembly to better assess program effectiveness, allocate resources where they are most needed and explore new strategies for addressing substance misuse, treatment and recovery,” Williams said. Williams said updating the reports would improve communication and collaboration with the public, advocacy organizations and service providers, providing greater transparency and informed public policy. “With uncertainties surrounding health initiatives and data collection on the federal level under a new administration that does not seem particularly concerned about those things, having the Department of Drug and Alcohol Read more

 

Chester County lawmakers to introduce bill that would require approval from the Department of Health before hospitals can be purchased

(Apr 09, 2025)

HARRISBURG, April 9 – State Rep. Dan Williams is introducing legislation alongside Reps. Kristine Howard and Melissa Shusterman, all D-Chester, that would require approval from the Department of Health before a hospital or hospital system can be purchased. One in three hospital mergers and acquisitions lead to a full or partial hospital closure . In Chester County , Tower Health purchased Jennersville and Brandywine Hospitals, which both closed less than 5 years after the acquisition. These sales often lead to broken promises, unexpected closures and reduced services to customers, Williams said. “When hospitals close, jobs disappear and patients are forced to travel further distances for potentially lifesaving care. These closures create major challenges for our communities,” Williams said. “When a life is on the line, the miles and minutes matter, which is why we are introducing this bill to protect residents and frontline workers from such abrupt closures.” The bill would require the Department of Health to review applications, hold public hearings and prepare impact statements on the effect of the buying and selling of the healthcare services that the hospital or hospital system provides. We cannot allow our health to be dictated by business interests,” said Howard. “Department of Health approval will ensure continued access to quality care and keep the focus on patients, not profits.” Read more

 

Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Mar 12, 2025)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agency, ports (rail/freight) Use: The MTF provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation exists in Pennsylvania. The program is intended to provide financial assistance in order to improve public transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: Requests must have a total eligible cost of $100,000 or more and no request shall exceed $3,000,000 for any project. Application Deadline: July 31, 2025 More information: DCED Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business Read more

 

Williams announces over $1.2 million in roadway improvements for Chester County

(Feb 24, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 24 – State Rep. Dan Williams said he is pleased to announce that Chester County communities have been awarded a total of $1.2 million in grants through the state’s Multimodal Transportation Fund to support infrastructure improvements that will enhance safety, accessibility, and economic development. “These investments are crucial to ensuring our roads remain safe and functional for residents, businesses, and visitors,” said Williams, D-Chester. “By securing this funding, we are not only improving transportation infrastructure but also strengthening our local economy and enhancing quality of life for our communities.” The following municipalities and entities in Chester County have been awarded Multimodal Transportation Fund grants: Caln Township – $450,000 City of Coatesville – $200,000 Parkesburg Borough – $450,000 Valley Square Development Associates LP – $100,000 “These infrastructure upgrades will make a real difference in the daily lives of our residents,” Williams added. “I look forward to seeing these projects take shape and will continue advocating for investments in our transportation network.” The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to support economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable transportation system is available across Pennsylvania. The fund helps communities upgrade roads, Read more

 

Williams announces nearly $300,000 in funding for Chester County fire and EMS departments

(Feb 14, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 14 – State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, announced today that local fire companies and emergency medical services organizations across the 74 th Legislative District have will receive nearly $300,000 in funding through the state Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. This annual grant provides critical financial support to both volunteer and career fire companies, EMS agencies, and rescue squads, helping them maintain and enhance their lifesaving services. The funding supports essential needs such as facility improvements, equipment purchases, training programs, debt reduction, and recruitment efforts. The following fire and EMS departments in Chester County have been awarded grants: City of Coatesville Bureau of Fire – $15,246.13 Honey Brook Fire Co. No. 1 – $16,322.02 Keystone Valley Fire Department – $64,106.84 Keystone Valley Fire Department – $45,000.00 Modena Fire Co. No. 1 – $16,322.02 Modena Fire Co. No. 1 – $15,000.00 Sadsburyville Fire Co. – $16,322.02 Thorndale Fire Co. – $15,030.95 Wagontown Volunteer Fire Co. – $16,322.02 Washington Hose Co. No. 1 – $15,000.00 Westwood Fire Co. – $16,322.02 Westwood Fire Co. – $15,000.00 Westwood Fire Company Ambulance Wagontown Division – $15,000.00 “These grants are Read more

 

Williams announces over $168 thousand in funding for Minch Park Improvements

(Jan 29, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 29 – State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, announced that Minch Park in Parkesburg Borough has been awarded $168,074 in state funding through the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program. The funding, approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, will support critical renovations to Parkesburg’s most utilized municipal park, including needed ADA accessibility improvements, playground updates and enhancements to the park’s tennis courts and pedestrian pathways. “This funding will revitalize Minch Park, which has served as a central gathering place for generations of Parkesburg residents,” Williams said. “Over the years, the park’s equipment and facilities have deteriorated, limiting its accessibility and usability. With this investment, we can ensure that Minch Park remains a safe and inclusive space for all members of our community, including children with disabilities. “As someone who has enjoyed Minch Park for many years, it has been heartbreaking to see its deterioration,” Williams added. “Ensuring that every child -- regardless of ability -- can fully enjoy our community’s most beloved park is a priority. I’m proud to support this investment, and I look forward to seeing these improvements come to life.” Funding for the project comes from Act 13 of 2012, which allocates a portion of unconventional gas well impact fees to support Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jan 29, 2025)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Conservation and Natural Resources: Community Conservation Partnerships Program Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, municipal agencies, nonprofit organizations, state heritage areas, prequalified land trusts, for-profit organizations (for some grant types). Use: Funds may be used for projects related to parks, recreation, and conservation, including, but not limited to, park and recreation rehabilitation and development, recreation and conservation planning, trail planning and construction, land acquisition and conservation, river access and conservation, community and riparian tree planting, and regional and statewide partnerships to better develop and manage resources. Funds: Funds for this program come from a mix of state and federal sources, including the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the Snowmobile Restricted Account, the All-Terrain Vehicle Restricted Account, and more. Application Deadline: April 2, 2025 More information: DCNR Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 Read more

 

E-News: My Faith Inspires Me to Represent

(Jan 17, 2025)

In this week’s e-newsletter, I’m kicking off a video series about how my faith inspired me to enter political life and how it has shaped the issues I care about most. I’m also sharing with you information about government programs that I hope you will find helpful, such as the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, which just opened for 2025. Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jan 15, 2025)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Education: Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program Who May Apply: Public institutions of higher education. Use: Funding may be used to offer college coursework to high school students enrolled in eligible school entities. Funds: $14 million in state funding was allocated through the 2024 School Code. Application Deadline: February 10, 2025 More information: PDE Website Department of Environmental Protection: Abandoned Mine Land and Abandoned Mine Draining Grant Program Who May Apply: An authority, incorporated nonprofit, political subdivision, or conservation district. Use: Funds may be used for abandoned mine land reclamation and abandoned mine drainage treatment or abatement. Funds: $75 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: April 25, 2025. Applicants must contact DEP ( ra-epamgrantprogram@pa.gov ) prior to applying for an initial project consultation. More information: DEP Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Integrated Health Solutions Who May Apply: Physical health care providers, hospitals, rural health centers, or federally qualified health clinics. Use: T o promote full integration and collaboration in clinical practice between behavioral health care and primary physical health care. Funds: $3 million in funding is available from the Publicis Health Opioid Settlement. Read more

 

Education, Historic Preservation, Substance Abuse Education, Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jan 14, 2025)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Education: Parent Pathways Grant Who May Apply: Postsecondary institutions that award an associate degree or higher and private licensed schools. Use: To provide funding to institutions to directly support parenting students through tuition assistance, emergency funding, and wrap-around services. Funds: $1.6 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: February 3, 2025 More information: PDE Website Historical & Museum Commission: Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program Who May Apply: Certified local governments, colleges and universities, conservancies, historic preservation organizations, historical societies, local governments, museums, religious institutions, and other historical organizations. Use: Applications may apply for one construction-related or planning-related grant (not both) for sites that are listed in or eligible to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Construction related grants are available for rehabilitation, preservation, and restoration activities for historic resources that are publicly accessible and under nonprofit or local government ownership. Planning related grants are available for planning and development initiatives that enhance historic preservation in communities. Please note, special consideration will be given to projects that promote the United States Semiquincentennial celebration in Read more

 

Williams sworn in for fourth term and named majority chair of Human Services Committee

(Jan 10, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – State Rep. Dan Williams was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today, beginning his fourth term serving the 74th Legislative District, and was named the majority chair of the House Human Services Committee. “I am proud that the people of the 74th District have once again entrusted me to be their voice in Harrisburg,” Williams said. “I will continue to be a champion in the House for the common good in Chester County and throughout Pennsylvania, fighting to ensure working families have the support they need from ensuring they are paid a living wage to having affordable housing to providing their children with a great education. I will advocate for programs that enable them to keep them in their homes when they retire after a long life of work and sacrifice. “I take seriously the opportunities my position affords me to bring home funding that will improve our roads, increase and improve our healthcare system and support our local businesses, non-profits and municipalities,” Williams said. “Building our communities up, brick by brick, will ensure a better tomorrow for all. A rising tide lifts all boats.” In his fourth term, Williams will be focused on the following issues to improve the quality of life in the 74th District: Continued repairs and repaving of area state roads. Increasing and improving health care options in the 74th District. Support and funding for local Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Dec 30, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Recovery Housing for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and Other Drugs Who May Apply: Community-based organizations, community action agencies, or public health programs that focus on assisting individuals in accessing recovery housing. Use: Personnel services, consulting services, subcontract services, patient services, equipment, supplies, travel, and other costs associated with assisting individuals access recovery housing. Funds: DDAP expects to award five grants totaling $500,000 each. Application Deadline: January 10, 2025 More information: DDAP Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Integrated Health Solutions Who May Apply: Community-based organizations, community action agencies, or public health programs that focus on assisting individuals in accessing recovery housing. Use: Personnel services, consulting services, subcontract services, patient services, equipment, supplies, travel, and other costs associated with assisting individuals access recovery housing. Funds: DDAP expects to award five grants totaling $500,000 each. Application Deadline: January 10, 2025 More information: DDAP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Dec 18, 2024)

Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Community and Economic Development: Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program Who May Apply: Community-based non-profit organizations with a history of at least 3 years operating experience, educational institutions, and non-profit economic development organizations with a history of at least 3 years operating experience. Use: Creation or support of a Business Assistance Service Center for the purpose of serving small, historically disadvantaged businesses. Funds: $20 million in funding was appropriated in the 2024/25 state budget. Application Deadline: January 22, 2025 More information: DCED Website Council on the Arts: Entry to Arts Organizations and Arts Programs (EAOAP) Who May Apply: Non-profit agencies with a history of at least two years of consistent arts programming in Pennsylvania and an annual average arts revenue over $200,000. Use: Entry track is the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ (PCA) point of entry for organizations or programs to the AOAP. Applicants must apply in Entry track until recommended for AOAP, which is based on panel review and assessment totals Funds: Grants totaling $5,000 will be awarded. Application Deadline: February 15, 2025 More information: Arts Website Council on the Arts: Arts Read more

 

Chester County lawmakers laud grant funding to clean up rivers and streams in Chesapeake Bay Watershed

(Dec 12, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 12 – Members of the Chester County state legislative delegation are pleased to report a state and federal investment in keeping the Chesapeake Bay Watershed clean from its tributaries in Chester County. The Chester County Conservation District was awarded more than $67,000 in funding directed by the Department of Environmental Protection. "Investing in cleaning the waterways that flow into the Chesapeake Bay is more than an environmental effort – it's a commitment to safeguarding a vital ecosystem, supporting local economies and preserving a legacy of natural beauty and abundance for generations to come," said state Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester. The DEP awarded grants through the 2025 Countywide Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Grants to county teams across Pennsylvania’s share of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. “Stormwater runoff and agricultural runoff remain leading sources of water quality impairment in Chester County and Pennsylvania,” said state Sen. Carolyn Comitta, minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. “These investments will help prevent pollution and restore and protect the local watersheds that are crucial to environmental health, public health, and the strong quality of life in our communities.” Pennsylvania has made historic progress in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Earlier this year, the Read more

 

Williams secures $1 million in state grants for the Shoppes of Sadsbury project

(Nov 01, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 1 – State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, today announced that he secured $1 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants for projects in the 74 th Legislative District. “This $1 million in capital funding for the Shoppes of Sadsbury will help create family-sustaining jobs and increase consumer spending in the 74 th District,” Williams said. “I’m proud to have brought in this state grant, which will enhance the quality of life and contribute to our area’s economic growth.” Shoppes of Sadsbury II Sadsbury Commons LP Sadsbury Township $1,000,000 This is the proposed Phase 3 of the overall project which will focus on sitework, stormwater systems, parking areas, and early construction efforts for a new 360,000 square-foot retail facility in The Shoppes of Sadsbury mixed-use development. The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a Pennsylvania grant program for the design, acquisition, and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. RACP projects have a regional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity. RACP projects are state-funded projects that cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs. Read more

 

Williams praises Nonprofit Security Grant Program Awards

(Oct 25, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 25 - State Rep. Williams, D-Chester, said today he was proud to report state investments to protect people who could be vulnerable to acts of hate. The following organizations received awards from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Domestic Violence Center of Chester County $70,000 Masjid Al Rahman of Chester County Inc. $25,000 “Every Pennsylvanian deserves the right to feel safe, whether in their own home or in their space of worship,” said Williams. “This funding will go to proven measures that deter violence at home and be targeted towards specific religious communities, and help foster a community that continues to stand up to hate. I applaud the administration for protecting people in harm’s way, and I look forward to supporting this life-saving program in future budgets.” PCCD administers the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program , which has provided $25 million in funding to more than 580 organizations since its inception. This latest, seventh round of grants will go to 208 nonprofit organizations, including 102 organizations that had never received funding through this program. More information about the 208 selected applicants, the county served and award amounts can be found on the PCCD website . Read more

 

PA House OKs Williams bill to help municipalities fight blight by tightening LLC permit rules
Apr 22, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 22, 2025

Members of PA House Southeast Delegation respond to SEPTA's proposed service cuts & rate hikes
Apr 10, 2025

PA House OKs Williams bill to enhance reporting on state drug and alcohol initiatives
Apr 10, 2025

Chester County lawmakers to introduce bill that would require approval from the Department of Health before hospitals can be purchased
Apr 09, 2025

Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 12, 2025

Williams announces over $1.2 million in roadway improvements for Chester County
Feb 24, 2025

Williams announces nearly $300,000 in funding for Chester County fire and EMS departments
Feb 14, 2025

Williams announces over $168 thousand in funding for Minch Park Improvements
Jan 29, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 29, 2025

E-News: My Faith Inspires Me to Represent
Jan 17, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 15, 2025

Education, Historic Preservation, Substance Abuse Education, Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 14, 2025

Williams sworn in for fourth term and named majority chair of Human Services Committee
Jan 10, 2025

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 30, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 18, 2024

Chester County lawmakers laud grant funding to clean up rivers and streams in Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Dec 12, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 05, 2024

Williams secures $1 million in state grants for the Shoppes of Sadsbury project
Nov 01, 2024

Williams praises Nonprofit Security Grant Program Awards
Oct 25, 2024