Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) successfully funded 14 Community Project Funding priorities, totaling $11,726,065, through the House Appropriations Committee. The Appropriations’ package was signed into law last weekend by President Biden. The purpose of Community Project Funding is to enable Members of Congress to allocate available federal funds to worthy, local projects in a timely manner.
While each congressional office processes Community Project Funding requests differently, all Members are required to publicly disclose their selections and sign letters certifying they have no personal financial interest in the projects.
To ensure transparency for and accountability to her constituents, Houlahan goes above and beyond House guidelines by utilizing a nonpartisan board of community leaders to review applications and to make recommendations regarding project selection. Recently, Houlahan hosted a webinar for organizations interested in applying for future Community Project Funding grants. Watch the webinar here.
“I am elated that we secured over $11.7 million to fund 14 community-focused projects in our district. From Reading to Berwyn and everywhere in between, our community will benefit from stronger infrastructure, enhanced workforce opportunities, modernized resources for first responders, and more,” said Houlahan. “With the help of our board of nonpartisan local leaders, we were able to advocate for projects that will positively impact our community and the region at large. I look forward to seeing these projects make a real, tangible difference in the lives of residents in Berks and Chester Counties.”
The following organizations received funding in Berks County:
$3,000,000 for Albright College, Innovation Corridor Life Science-Based Incubator – Camp Building Renovation Phase 1
“We are truly grateful that our community leaders are committed to the transformation of the City of Reading and the Albright College campus,” said Jacquelyn S. Fetrow, Ph.D., president and professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Albright College. “With the transformation of the Camp Building, a historic factory now under the college’s stewardship, we are bringing to life a vital component currently missing in Berks County: a biological, pharmaceutical and life science-based entrepreneurial and multi-purpose community incubator that will utilize the Total Experience Learning methodology to empower students and community entrepreneurs. The Albright College incubator, to be located in the ‘Innovation Corridor’ of Northeast Reading will serve to nurture emerging intellectual property and entrepreneurs of all ages. By fostering this entrepreneurial and multi-purpose community life science incubator, we are committed to supporting the inventors and innovators of today and tomorrow, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries and solutions.”
$1,035,000 for Reading Area Community College, Capital Improvements and Repairs – Workforce Development
“Reading Area Community College is honored and grateful to be a recipient of this much needed funding from Congresswoman Houlahan’s office,” said RACC President Dr. Susan Looney. “We will be allocating the funds to enhance the Schmidt Training and Technology Center and Kratz Hall. Improvements to these facilities will further strengthen our workforce training; continuing our commitment to building a strong Berks County workforce.”
$500,000 for Helping Harvest, Community Kitchen
“Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank is so grateful to Representative Houlahan for her support and her work securing this funding,” said Jay Worrall, Helping Harvest President. “The Helping Harvest Community Kitchen will provide heat-and-eat ready meals to low-income seniors and families throughout Berks County while providing Culinary Arts skill training to residents. The kitchen is currently under construction, and we will be cooking by year’s end! Thank you for helping us provide healthy, nutritious food to people in need in our community.”
$1,925,000 for Reading’s Oakbrook Homes Center For Early Education
“This vital federal grant will enable us to repurpose two existing buildings into a Neighborhood Services Center and Family Services Complex, allowing us to expand access to crucial services for those facing economic and food insecurity in our community. With this support, Oakbrook Homes will continue to be a beacon of hope and assistance for families in need, fostering a brighter and more equitable future for all. We extend our deepest gratitude to Representative Chrissy Houlahan for her tireless efforts in securing $1,925,000 for this project,” said Modesto Fiume, president of Opportunity House.
$315,488 for Mohnton Borough PA, Highbrook Stormwater Channel Stabilization Project
“Mohnton Borough and the intergovernmental organization of which it is a member, the Wyomissing Creek Watershed Coalition (WCWC), are grateful to Rep. Houlahan and her staff for securing this Community Project funding to reduce pollution in the Wyomissing Creek and mitigate a hazardous condition in a residential area. With the assistance of this federal funding, the Highbrook Stormwater Channel Stabilization project will realize the goal of eight municipalities coming together for the common good,” said Jeanne Johnston, Cumru Township Manager and Secretary.
Organizations that received funding located outside Berks County include:
$977,573 for Ann’s Heart, Purchase of Campus – Nonprofit Hub. $500,000 for Berwyn Fire Company, EMS Station. $959,752 for City of Coatesville, Ash Park Master Plan Implementation – Phase 2. $550,000 for East Fallowfield Township Police Department, Municipal complex construction. $657,000 for FarmerJawn and Friends Foundation Fund, the FarmerJawn Barn Revitalization. $959,752 for Kennett Square Wastewater Treatment Plant, UV Disinfection. $117,000 for Phoenixville Police Department, Law Enforcement 21st Century Policing Initiative. $117,000 for Southern Chester County Regional Police Department, Body Worn Camera and Taser Project. $112,500 for The Garage Community and Youth Center, Rain Garden and Green Roof Chester County PA.
Houlahan added: “Community Project Funding Grants make an enormous difference. This process is one of the best examples I can think of where the federal government is able to directly impact our home districts. And no one knows what is better for our communities than our communities.”
All the project details and purposes, as well as the letters certifying Houlahan has no personal financial interest in the projects can be found on her website here.
