Friel Otten: More than $1.35M secured for district water, emergency equipment upgrades, capital projects
State funds offset local taxes for projects from playgrounds to road maintenance
Rep. Danielle Friel Otten September 15, 2026 | 3:27 PM
EXTON, Sept. 15 – State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, today announced new state grants totaling more than $1.35 million to fund seven projects across her legislative district. The grants will go toward municipal and water infrastructure improvements, equipment purchases, a new all-abilities playground and additional projects identified as priorities by their respective municipalities.
“These state investments ease the burden on local taxpayers while enabling local governments to tackle some of their highest-priority needs,” Otten said. “I appreciate the commitment of our municipal leaders, who work on behalf of their communities to identify these priorities and secure the resources to address them.”
The seven grants, secured through the Commonwealth Financing Authority under the Local Share Account, include:
- $100,000 for Minquas Fire Co. No. 2 to purchase cardiac monitor/defibrillator units to be used in Caln Township, replacing units that are approaching the end of their recommended service life.
- $252,761 to implement flood safety equipment, sensors and signs in Downingtown Borough, Caln Township and locations throughout Chester County as part of the county’s Water Resources Authority’s Flood Safety and Resilience Initiative Pilot Project.
- $200,000 for an emergency generator for Downingtown Borough to ensure that borough offices are able to maintain critical services — including public safety coordination, emergency communications and administrative functions — during power outages and flood emergencies.
- $280,600 for a “United We Play” all-abilities playground at East Brandywine Community Park, including expanded ADA-compliant features, site preparation, safety surfacing and construction of a 5,900-square-foot stone base.
- $98,070 for the East Brandywine Township Municipal Authority to replace outdated wastewater testing equipment at its three township-owned treatment plants.
- $75,000 for Upper Uwchlan Township to purchase a wheel loader for its Public Works Department, to be used for winter maintenance, stormwater management and public works projects.
- $362,500 for Uwchlan Township to purchase a road milling machine to save public money on renting the equipment, which runs nearly $500,000 per day.
The Local Share Account is funded by gaming revenues and local share assessments generated by licensed gaming facilities such as casinos and racetracks. Funds can be used for public interest projects such as building acquisition, facility construction and renovation, the purchase of vehicles and equipment, and other uses that improve the quality of life for residents.
“I am excited to help bring these grants back to the district to help our municipalities invest in safe roads, water systems and public facilities,” Otten said. “This funding will make a meaningful difference for communities across central Chester County.”
More information is available here: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/local-share-account-lsa-statewide/.