$1.5M In State Grants Awarded To Projects In Solebury, Doylestown

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Three projects in Doylestown and one in Solebury have been awarded $1.5 million in state grants through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and the Local Share Account (LSA) program.

State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and State Rep. Tim Brennan (D-140) announced the new state funding, including $409,000 for James A. Michener Art Museum Artwork Monitoring Improvements Project, $239,000 for Mercer Museum Site Lighting Improvement Project, $350,000 for Solebury Township Bond House Adaptive Re-use, and $500,000 for Heritage Conservancy acquisition of 65-acre Fonthill Castle Property.

The James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown Borough will be receiving funds for museum upgrades. The museum will implement a modern artwork monitoring system, upgrade the lighting controls and fixtures in the galleries, update the lighting controls and stage lighting in the pavilion, and replace the shades in the pavilion.

“The James A. Michener Art Museum is an example of the rich arts and culture we have here in the 10th Senate District,” said Senator Santarsiero. “I will continue to be an advocate for our museums and make sure they have the funds they need to continue their work promoting the arts here in Bucks County.”

“Art is a timeless lens that lets us learn more about ourselves, the world around us and our common struggles,” said Rep. Brennan “It helps us understand essential truths, reminds us of our shared humanity and the value of our freedoms. This is a crucial mission, and we are blessed to have the opportunity to support this world class facility.”

The Bucks County Historical Society Mercer Museum is receiving funds to upgrade their exterior lighting fixtures and systems on the grounds of museum with new and more efficient energy-saving versions. These new systems will replace or augment those installed more than fifteen years ago which are now outdated, less efficient than contemporary fixtures, and some have failed completely.

The project will provide improved illumination for parking areas, plazas, walkways, entry points, areas of special security concern, and the building’s distinctive architectural features. This project will contribute significantly to the safety and security of those visiting and using the grounds of the Mercer Museum.

“The Mercer Museum is a treasure we are so lucky to have here in Bucks County,” said Senator Santarsiero. “I am always proud to support efforts to maintain, update, and improve this important historical and cultural resource.”

“Henry Mercer made a lasting impact on this commonwealth and Bucks County, said Representative Brennan. “From the tiles of our beautiful state Capitol and the unique masonry structures he pioneered to the impressive catalogue of preindustrial human history, we are blessed have this exceptional destination of resident and visitors alike.”

Solebury Township will receive funds to update the historic Bond House in Aquetong Spring Park. The project will make necessary updates to turn it from a residential building into a multi-use, public facility that is ADA accessible. Once updated, the building will be used for environmental and historic education and park-related activities organized by the Bucks County Audubon Society and the Solebury Township Parks and Recreation Summer Camp. The HVAC system will be replaced, and a new restroom and kitchenette will be added.

“This project will both preserve a historic building and give it new life serving the people of Solebury Township,” said Senator Santarsiero. “It will be an ADA accessible community space to promote environmental and educational education, a cause I am proud to support.”

“The township continues to provide world class services to its residents; this state investment will support Herculean local efforts to make the parks system in Solebury Township one of the most impressive in the region and even the commonwealth,” said Rep. Brennan. “It was a pleasure to work with the Senator to provide more access to residents and more opportunity for non-profit partnerships, like those on the way with the Audubon Society.”

Doylestown Township and the Heritage Conservancy are receiving funds to acquire a perpetual conservation easement on the 65-acre Fonthill Castle property. The easement acquisition will result in the permanent protection of the 65-acre property. Future subdivision of additional lots will be prohibited, and the property’s grounds will remain open to the public, enabling generations to enjoy Fonthill’s open space and recreational opportunities.

“Fonthill Castle is an important part of Bucks County history and the enduring legacy of Henry Mercer,” said Senator Santarsiero. “I am proud to support this project so future generations can enjoy the Castle and its grounds.”

“There are so many recent exceptional developments at this important historical, environmental and cultural destination, this is yet another,” said Representative Brennan. “We appreciate the good stewardship of this iconic building and its grounds and are pleased to support these efforts to keep it open and accessible to the public for enjoyment.”

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.