Harrisburg – September 5, 2018 – Grants totaling $2.5 million have been approved for three key projects in the fourth Senatorial district, State Sen. Art Haywood (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) announced today.
Woodmere Art Museum, La Salle University, and the Free Library of Philadelphia are being awarded with state grants to revitalize their organizations and therefore benefit the community.
Woodmere Art Museum will expand its arts education activities through landscaping and sculpture installments. La Salle University will improve the accessibility to their campus through renovations to several campus buildings through energy efficiency, accessibility and personal health and wellness. The Free Library of Philadelphia West Oak Lane Branch will be renovated and acquire technology upgrades to further expand educational programming offered at the facility.
“I am happy to announce that these state grants will generate local benefits for years to come,” Haywood said. “It is essential that more state resources are available to help fund key local projects.”
“The Free Library of Philadelphia is extraordinarily grateful to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Governor, and our terrific Philadelphia legislators for bringing home this incredible support for much needed capital improvements. This generous capital funding will help keep our buildings open and welcoming for all Philadelphians of all ages” said Siobhan A. Reardon, President and Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia.
“La Salle University is extremely grateful to Governor Tom Wolf, State Senator Art Haywood, State Senator Sharif Street, State Representative Rosita Youngblood, State Representative Isabella Fitzgerald and the full General Assembly for the recent announcement of a $1 million award to renovate the Connelly Library—an outstanding example of a public-private partnership,” said Colleen M. Hanycz, Ph.D., President of La Salle University. “The project will support improved programming, student activities, and amenities at La Salle. The award will create a dedicated location for community-based organizations to develop programming and increase resources for revitalization efforts in the neighboring areas.”
The funding is being allotted through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). The program funds important economic initiatives as well as cultural and historical improvements.
“I am pleased to support important projects that help spur economic growth and enhance academic and cultural opportunities for the community,” Haywood said. “Drawing down state dollars helps leverage local funds.”
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