HARRISBURG – Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) today announced the approval of more than $3.6 million in assistance to help pay for major school building upgrades in Perkiomen Valley, Pottstown and Souderton Area school districts.
The grants were awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Public School Facilities Improvement Grant Program, which provides grants to public school districts and area career and technical schools for eligible facility improvement projects.
“These grants will help pay for significant upgrades at multiple schools, improving fire safety and replacing outdated HVAC systems,” Pennycuick said. “I am extremely pleased to announce this funding, which will result in significant school facility improvements while easing the burden on school taxpayers.”
Perkiomen Valley School District will receive $1.1 million for safety upgrades at Perkiomen Valley High School, Perkiomen Valley Middle School West, Schwenksville Elementary School, Skippack Elementary School, and South Elementary School.
The district will replace outdated fire alarm systems to reduce the risk of fire-related incidents and improve overall emergency preparedness. The total project cost is $2.4 million.
Pottstown School District will receive $500,000 to replace heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment at Pottstown Middle School and Pottstown High School. The total project cost is $4.5 million.
Souderton Area School District will receive $1 million for HVAC projects at Souderton Area Senior High School, Oak Ridge Elementary School, and Vernfield Elementary School.
A total of 19 HVAC units containing dangerous refrigerants will be replaced with new equipment including chillers, roof-top units and split-system air conditioners with remote condensing units. The total project cost is $4.3 million.
Souderton Area School District will receive an additional $1 million for HVAC, boilers plumbing, and energy savings projects at West Broad Street Elementary School l in Franconia Township.
Work includes the purchase and installation of approximately 50 classroom ventilators for heating and cooling, two hot water heaters, hot water distribution piping, rooftop HVAC units, a new building automation system, electrical service upgrades and interior and exterior LED lighting. A new natural gas service line will be brought into the facility with two new condensing boilers to provide the primary source of heat.
The total project cost is $10.3 million.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority is an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development that administers many of Pennsylvania’s economic development and community improvement programs.
CONTACT: Sean Drakeley (215) 541-2388