The Chester County Department of Emergency Services received $400,000 in state funding to upgrade its 9-1-1 phone system.
Chester County has received $1.35 million in Local Share Account (LSA) grants to fund projects led by the Department of Emergency Services, Parks + Preservation, Water Resources Authority, and the Planning Commission. Pennsylvania State Senator Carolyn Comitta, a longtime advocate for local LSA funding, announced the grants, which were awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
In a joint statement, the Chester County Commissioners said, “We are thrilled that projects proposed by four Chester County Government entities were selected to receive LSA grants. This was a highly competitive funding round with many other counties and municipalities applying. We thank Senator Comitta and her colleagues in the Senate and the House for their support in bringing these important investments to Chester County.”
State Senator Carolyn Comitta said, “These investments in strengthening our emergency response system, continuing to secure the Trestle Bridge, managing flood safety, and supporting tourism will add to the great quality of life that residents and visitors enjoy in communities across Chester County.”
The LSA-funded projects include:
9-1-1 Major Phone System Upgrade: $400,000
Improves the reliability, cybersecurity, call management, transcription and translation, multimedia sharing, and real-time threat monitoring of the County’s 9-1-1 system.
Chester Valley Trail-Downingtown Trestle Bridge Safety Measures: $500,000
Addresses immediate public safety, security, and liability concerns associated with unauthorized access to the Downingtown Trestle Bridge.
Flood Safety and Resilience Initiative Pilot Project: $252,751
Strengthens flood preparedness at high-risk locations in Avondale, Caln Township, Coatesville, Downingtown, East Bradford Township, and Valley Township.
Heritage Tourism Kiosks: $200,000
Expands the number of heritage tourism sites in Chester County that have interactive digital kiosks. This is the second phase of LSA funding; the first phase was awarded $333,500 in 2024.
The LSA program distributes funds derived from gaming revenue to support community and economic development projects.
