Warren, Santarsiero announce more than $600,000 in state investments for Newtown, Yardley boroughs

BUCKS COUNTY, Nov. 19 – State Rep. Perry Warren, D-Bucks, and State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, D-Bucks, announced today that Newtown and Yardley boroughs have been awarded $75,000 and $573,689, respectively, for improvement projects.

The project in Newtown to stabilize the banks of “Old Skunky”, a Newtown Creek tributary, will include regrading 220 feet of bank and planting native trees, shrubs and grasses. It is projected to take two years to complete.

“I served on Newtown Borough Council for seven years. Maintaining water quality, sediment from Old Skunky and MS-4 funding and compliance are and were continual challenges,” said Rep. Warren. “Borough Council leaders pursued, and Newtown Borough was awarded, this Watershed Restoration Grant for Old Skunky Streambank Restoration. The project will enhance water quality, reduce erosion and save Newtown Borough residents money.”

“Restoring the banks of Old Skunky is critical to keeping the Newtown Creek vibrant and healthy, which is why I was eager to secure these funds for Newtown Borough,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “The Newtown Creek restoration project, including the use of native plants, will provide environmental benefits to the area around the waterway.”

Act 13 of 2012 established the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for watershed restoration and protection projects.

In Yardley, the awarded grant will go toward continued sidewalk upgrades as part of a multi-phase improvement project in the borough.

“The North Main Street sidewalk project enhances pedestrian safety and is an economic boon to downtown Yardley,” said Rep. Warren. “This grant will almost fully fund Phase III of the sidewalk project and will help residents and visitors more safely experience all Yardley has to offer.”

“Yardley Borough is thriving, with bustling restaurants and shops,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “This project will help expand access to Main Street, connecting residents and visitors to dozens of small businesses and eateries.” 

The award is a state Multimodal Transportation Fund grant through the Commonwealth Financing Authority, which will be used to provide connection between North Main Street and Dolington Road and the borough’s sidewalk network east of Afton Road.