Bucks County Technical receives $1 million grant for building repairs
Peg QuannBucks County Technical High School has received $1 million in state funding to replace its leaky roof and install new heating and ventilation equipment.
The funding was among several grants made to Bucks County, its municipalities and schools from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Local Share Account Statewide Program.
The school trains students who want to go into the building trades along with other technical careers. Leon Poeske, school administrative director, was happy to hear from state Sen. Steve Santarsiero, D-10, of Lower Makefield and state Rep. Tina Davis, D-141, of Bristol Township that the funding for the two projects is available.
Tech school repairs among several funded projects
“Bucks County Technical High School truly appreciates these additional funds,” said Poeske. “These funds will allow the school to continue making the much-needed renovations of replacing a very leaky roof, replacing the end-of-life HVAC/R units, and replacing our outdated fire/security system. The LSA grant helps the school reduce the funding gap created by the dramatic increase in building materials and supplies.
He said he hoped the school could receive more funding from the RACP (Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program) to continue improvements.
Waiting list of students who want training
Santarsiero said students from six school districts in Lower Bucks attend the technical high school off New Falls Road in Bristol Township and there is a waiting list.
“Admission is highly competitive, as interest in the school exceeds its enrollment capacity year after year. BCTHS offers fantastic programs that allow students in our area to receive education and certification in trades that can enable them to have long and successful careers,” Santarsiero said. “I would like to see BCTHS expand in the future to meet the demand in the area and will continue to support the school in future funding and grant applications.”
Santarsiero and Davis announced grants totaling $2.083 million, including another $1 million for redevelopment in Bristol and $83,796 for the YMCA of Bucks & Hunterdon Counties.
Sate Rep. John Galloway, D-140, of Falls and Santarsiero secured $367,162 from the DCED for these projects in Lower Bucks: Morrisville, multipurpose truck purchase for $128,930; Township of Falls Authority, sanitary sewer rehabilitation, $202,406; and Bucks County, replacement of 19 windows at Summerseat in Morrisville, the historical mansion that served as Gen. George Washington's headquarters in 1776 and was home to two signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, Robert Morris and George Clymer.
"We are thankful to be able to make these needed improvements to the windows of the home, which will better allow us to enjoy the history of the building,” said Sam Davis, president of the Historic Morrisville Society.
“Summerseat is a beautiful glimpse into our local history,” said Santarsiero, “These improvements ensure that this landmark, and the stories it shares, will be around for years to come.”
$1 million to demolish vacant Neshaminy Manor
Santarsiero and Rep. Tim Brennan, D-29, of Doylestown announced $1 million for the old, vacant Neshaminy Manor owned by Bucks County and $193,959 for intersection upgrades at Route 202 and Lower Mountain Road.
Bucks County will use the funds for the construction and engineering costs involved with the demolition of the former Neshaminy Manor nursing facility structure in Doylestown Township and hazardous materials abatement at the site. Since closing its doors in 1999, Neshaminy Manor has been vacant due to the level of deterioration and presence of hazardous building materials within the structure.
The county welcomed the grant to allow it to prepare for economic development of the site, said Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia. The county announced last year it also planned to use American Rescue Plan Act funds for the demolition work.