Newtown Firefighters, Garden Of Reflection Awarded State Grants

NEWTOWN, PA — Two projects in Newtown and neighboring Lower Makefield will benefit from the latest round of state grants coming out of Harrisburg.

State Senator Steve Santarsiero and State Rep. Perry Warren on Tuesday announced nearly $1.1 million in state Local Share Account funding, including $200,000 for Lower Makefield Township for a renewal project at the 9/11 Garden of Reflection and $940,000 toward the purchase of a ladder truck for the Newtown Fire Rescue.

Newtown Fire Rescue

Newtown Fire Rescue will receive $940,000 to purchase a new ladder truck for use across Newtown Township and Newtown Borough. The apparatus will include updated technology and safety features to enhance both services and firefighter safety.

“Our firefighters shouldn’t need to face unnecessary dangers to their health and safety when they already put their lives on the line to protect our community,” said Senator Santarsiero. “Our firefighters are frontline heroes, and I am proud that this investment will prioritize their safety when responding to emergency situations.”

“The Newtown Fire Association traces its history of service to Newtown to over 200 years ago,” said Rep. Warren. “This state local share account grant will help NFA move ahead well into the 21st Century with a new, modern, state-of-the-art ladder truck, to continue to protect and serve our community.”

Garden of Reflection

The Garden of Reflection 9/11 Memorial serves as a local space for reflection to remember and honor the 2,977 lives lost on 9/11, including 18 residents of Bucks County.

After its dedication nearly 20 years ago, the memorial now needs accessibility upgrades and visual improvements. The renovations will include lighting replacements, repairs of uneven walkways and benches, signage and landscaping enhancements, and the restoration of the stonework and fountain pump, which is the focal point of the memorial.

“This September marks 25 years since the tragic events of 9/11,” said Senator Santarsiero. “These improvements to the Garden of Reflection 9/11 Memorial are crucial to honor the many lives lost, including 18 from Bucks County, and provide the community with a place to reflect on that day and remember our loved ones. This investment will ensure the Memorial remains a beautiful space for the community to gather and remember that fateful day.”

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

“Last week people from throughout our communities, Bucks County, Pennsylvania and beyond gathered at the 9/11 Garden of Reflection on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks,” said Representative Warren. “Today, we announce the state local share account funding for restoration and improvement of The Official Pennsylvania Memorial to the Victims of the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks. This grant will help ensure that this treasured memorial and park continues to be a place of rest, recreation and remembrance for many years to come.”

Administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the Local Share Account (LSA)- Statewide program allocates gaming revenue through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the Commonwealth.