State Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and state Rep. Perry Warren (D-31) announced that Newtown Borough was awarded $75,000 for restoration of a Newtown Creek tributary.
The project to stabilize the banks of “Old Skunky,” a Newtown Creek tributary, will include regrading 220 feet of bank, and planting native trees, shrubs and grasses. It is projected to take two years to complete.
“Restoring the banks of Old Skunky is critical to keeping the Newtown Creek vibrant and healthy, which is why I was eager to secure these funds for Newtown Borough,” said Santarsiero. “The Newtown Creek restoration project, including the use of native plants, will provide environmental benefits to the area around the waterway.”
“I served on Newtown Borough Council for seven years. Maintaining water quality, sediment from Old Skunky and MS-4 funding and compliance are and were continual challenges,” said Warren. “Borough Council leaders pursued and Newtown Borough was awarded this Watershed Restoration Grant for Old Skunky Streambank Restoration. The project will enhance water quality, reduce erosion and save Newtown Borough residents money.”
Act 13 of 2012 established the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for watershed restoration and protection projects. Click here for more information.
Additionally, Santarsiero and Warren announced the award of $573,689 for Yardley Borough to continue sidewalk upgrades as part of a multi-phase improvement project.
“Yardley Borough is thriving, with bustling restaurants and shops,” said Santarsiero. “This project will help expand access to Main Street, connecting residents and visitors to dozens of small businesses and eateries.”
The award is a state Multimodal Transportation Fund grant through the Commonwealth Financing Authority, which will be used to provide connection between North Main Street and Dolington Road and the borough’s sidewalk network east of Afton Road.
“The North Main Street sidewalk project enhances pedestrian safety and is an economic boon to downtown Yardley,” said Warren. “This grant will almost fully fund Phase III of the sidewalk project and will help residents and visitors more safely experience all Yardley has to offer.”
Yardley Borough Council President David Bria echoed support for the grant, saying, “The CFA Multimodal Grant enables Yardley to complete phase three of the North Main Street sidewalk. This long-awaited project represents a major investment in Yardley Borough’s pedestrian infrastructure.”
Santarsiero helped secure state funds for the first and second phases of the North Main Street sidewalk project for Yardley Borough.
“Each phase of Yardley Borough’s North Main Street project has improved pedestrian safety and access,” said Santarsiero. “I have proudly supported this project since its inception and look forward to seeing this project finally completed.”
