Rep. Gerlach announces FY '05 Appropriations for the 6th District
Washington,
Dec 13, 2004 -
Rep. Jim Gerlach announced today that more than $21 million was set aside for projects and organizations in the 6th Congressional District in the FY ’05 Omnibus appropriations bill passed by Congress.
“I’m pleased to be able to work for and bring back to the 6th Congressional District funding for these important projects,” Rep. Gerlach said.
The following Montgomery County projects received funding in the legislation: $6 million for the construction of a new transit center in Ardmore; $300,000 to restore and open the home of the first Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatvies in Trappe; $200,000 to launch initiatives and enhance instructional capabilities at Harcum College in Bryn Mawr; $300,000 to support the National Night Out Program; and $250,000 to assist the Montgomery County Community College with its expansion project in Pottstown; $250,000 for the construction of a new ARC facility.
In Berks County, Reading received $300,000 to purchase a GIS system that will help with the city’s crime fighting efforts; the Rodale Institute received $146,000 to develop a health and environmental education Website for children and to conduct research; and the Berks Area Regional Transportation Association received $2 million to help build an intermodal transportation facility in downtown Reading.
In Chester County, Immaculata University received $100,000 to purchase equipment and hire new personnel for an expansion of the school’s nursing education program and the Freedom’s Foundation at Valley Forge received $100,000 to provide scholarships for students to attend the Free Enterprise Institute.
The Omnibus spending bill also included funding for other important endeavors. The Valley Forge National Historic Park received $1.5 million to help defray some of the costs associated with maintaining and keeping the park’s facilities in order and the legislation included $10 million for the proposed Schuylkill Valley Metro passenger rail line.
“The Metro project is an important part of relieving traffic from our area’s overcrowded roads and revitalizing our towns and boroughs,” Rep. Gerlach said. “This funding proves that the federal government is as committed to returning passenger rail service to the area as I am.”
