HARRISBURG – State Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33) and Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-89) announced that $1.7 million has been approved for renovations and security upgrades to the Chambersburg Police Department.
The funding was awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project (RACP) program, which is dedicated to the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.
“Police officers put their lives on the line every single day to protect and keep our communities safe,” said Senator Mastriano. “Chambersburg is the fastest growing borough in Franklin County, so this grant will give the department the tools necessary to continue its mission of providing professional police services to the area’s 23,000 residents, and its many visitors. As a person who dedicated much of my career to the United States armed forces, protection of our residents is extremely important to me.”
Kauffman added: “Our men and women in blue work tirelessly day in and day out to protect and serve the public, and yet they have been doing so within a building that is no longer adequate to meet their needs. Enhanced security of the building was a primary concern and one that the renovations will specifically tackle. I am thankful this funding was approved, it will go a long way toward the $4.6 million total project cost.”
RACP projects are authorized by the legislature in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act. Projects must 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.
As part of the project, the Chambersburg Police Department headquarters, located at 116 S. 2nd St., will be redeveloped with enhanced accessibility, security and functionality upgrades.
Chambersburg Borough Mayor Walter Bietsch said: “I want to thank Representative Rob Kauffman and Senator Doug Mastriano for their hard work in acquiring this valuable grant, which will be applied toward the renovation and expansion of our police department facility. The grant will offset about a third of the estimated construction costs of our important project. I also want to thank Senator Scarnati for his assistance and leadership in pursuing this grant.”
The grant money will be used to fund on-site infrastructure, demolition, expansion and renovation of the existing town hall to be used for the Chambersburg Police Department and related uses. The project will provide the new police department personnel facilities including offices, a sally port, public waiting areas and conference rooms, interview rooms, holding cells, storage space for records, evidence and arms, a fitness room, locker rooms, public restrooms, and a K-9 room. Additionally, roof replacement and clock tower, chimneys, and slate roof repairs are alternative project components.
CONTACT: Scot Pitzer (717) 787-4651; spitzer@pasen.gov