WAYNE HEIGHTS – Washington Township has been awarded $2 million grant towards the construction of a new municipal complex.
The grant announcement follows two years of project planning and design that led to the recent awarding of bids to local contractors for the construction of the proposed building.
“Washington Township is a growing municipality, and as such, requires a modern space to house government operations,” said Township Manager Jeff Geesaman. “Existing Township offices consist of temporary trailers that have long surpassed their useful life, are rapidly degrading, and are posing health and safety concerns for employees and citizens.”
The funding comes from a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. RACP is a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.
RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity.
State Rep. Paul Schemel (R-Franklin) was instrumental in the grant award.
“I advocated for the funding of this project, which will deliver a needed updated facility for our local government staff and police,” said Schemel. “This improvement project will have long-lasting effects throughout the community for many years to come.
“Representative Schemel is a tireless advocate of Washington Township,” said Supervisor Charlie Strausbaugh. “We cannot thank him enough for his support and advocacy in Harrisburg.”
The proposed municipal building will be located in Rouzerville and will offer improved accessibility.
In addition to housing administrative functions and the Board of Supervisors’ meeting room, the planned building will also include a police station and office for the tax collector.
The police station will feature improved security for evidence and firearms, as well as increase safety for officers when handling suspects, plus the location will reduce response times by being more centrally located within the densely populated portion of the township.
With a new and specifically designed building for Township use, more effective workflows and efficiencies will be created.
A groundbreaking ceremony will be scheduled later this spring.
