Ciresi brings back $1.9 million for area public safety and infrastructure projects
Southeast Delegation December 18, 2025 | 1:51 PM
HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced nearly $1.9 million in state funding for public safety and infrastructure projects within his legislative district.
Ciresi advocated for grants awarded from the Statewide Local Share Account, which is funded by the PA Race Horse Development Gaming Act.
“These state grants are smart investments in both public safety and our infrastructure,” Ciresi said. “Residents will feel safer walking the streets or traveling around Pottstown and Royersford thanks to new security improvements. First responders will reach people in distress more quickly with the addition of two ambulances and a firetruck. The water our residents use to drink and cook with will be safer thanks to upgraded service lines. And our community will have a refreshed space to connect and gather in a renovated community center.
“As a long-time advocate for resuming commuter rail service from Philadelphia to Reading, I am especially thrilled that this funding will allow the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority to enter its final phase of construction and soon restore passenger rail service,” Ciresi said. “Our community will see significant benefits from this project, including greater access to jobs, higher property values, and stronger local businesses.
“These grants will help us achieve the future we’ve planned for.”
Projects awarded LSA funding in Ciresi’s legislative district include:
- $34,750 to Lower Pottsgrove Township to demolish and remove up two old, abandoned barn structures on township-owned land for future use.
- $100,000 to Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority/Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust for safety, security, and connectivity improvements at the Pottstown Multimodal Station.
- $100,000 to Pottstown Borough/Pottstown Fire Department to purchase a fire truck to replace its fire-damaged truck.
- $350,000 to Pottstown Borough to renovate the Richard J. Ricketts Sr. Community Center, including asbestos remediation, new flooring, removal and replacement of the damaged gymnasium floor, restroom renovations, and kitchen renovation. Lastly, the project includes repairing the parking lot and sidewalks.
- $250,000 to Pottstown Borough Authority for Phase III of the Lead Service Replacement project that will replace additional lead service lines to comply with Lead and Copper Rule Improvements requirements. The project will include 277 water service line investigations, 111 lead service line replacements, and the associated concrete sidewalk and curb restoration.
- $300,000 to Royersford Borough to purchase and install a new camera surveillance system as part of the Safe Streets project.
Ciresi also worked with fellow lawmakers in the region to help secure the following LSA grant:
- $406,575 to Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority to complete Step 3 of the Federal Railroad Administration's Corridor Identification and Development Program in Reading City. The project site spans the entire rail corridor between Reading and Philadelphia via Pottstown and Reading. Completion of CIDP Step 3 will enable the restoration by the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority of passenger rail service between Reading and Philadelphia to advance into Final Design and Construction.
- $400,000 to Limerick Township/ Harleysville Area Emergency Medical Service, Inc. to purchase two ambulances and related equipment to be used in Lower Salford and Limerick Townships.