Coatesville to get $3.5 million for new fire station, public works – Daily Local

COATESVILLE—Plans to build a new fire department and public works facility in the city of Coatesville got a major boost this week with $3.5 million in state funding thanks to the work of Sen. Carolyn Comite and state Rep. Dan Williams.

Funding awarded to the city through the Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program will be used to demolish the existing public building and construct a new building that will also house the new fire department.

“The residents of Coatesville deserve strong emergency services and strong public works services now and in the future as the city continues to make significant progress in rebuilding the community,” Comitto said. “These investments will help provide a healthy, safe and thriving environment for Coatesville families, businesses and employees to live, work and seek new opportunities.”

“I am proud to have helped bring this significant funding to the city of Coatesville,” Williams said. “This will allow them to build a new city fire station and a much needed new public works facility. Such infrastructure will not only benefit Coatesville residents and visitors, but is a key component of a successful redevelopment. I will continue to work hard to bring public funds to the 74th District.”

Coatesville’s existing public works building is more than 70 years old and in need of extensive and expensive renovations, including a new roof and HVAC system. In its current state, the building is not only outdated, but also increasingly unsafe and at potential risk of collapse.

In addition, the city needs its own location to house the central fire station, as it currently rents space in two locations that it shares with other users. By building its own fire station, the city expects to save about $50,000 a year in rent, utilities and related overhead costs.

The new building will serve Coatesville residents, all businesses and property owners, as well as neighboring communities through shared response agreements. In addition to demolishing the existing structure and building a new facility, the funding will support street improvements along City Hall Place and Kersey Street.

Funding was provided through the Reconstruction Capital Assistance Program (RACP), a state grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, community, recreational, and historic improvement projects.

To receive funding, projects must have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact and generate a significant increase or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenue or other indicators of economic activity.