Isaacson secures $14 million in funding to benefit her district
Rep. Mary Isaacson October 27, 2022 | 10:08 AM
State Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Phila., has secured a total of $14 million for 10 separate projects throughout the 175th Legislative District.
The Sunday Breakfast Association of Philadelphia gained $1.5 million for renovations in their building as well as transitional living spaces and a new dining hall.
Isaacson said she believes that robust outdoor recreation is a must for any city and the Delaware River Waterfront Corp. was awarded $2 million to repair the bulkhead along the trail, install lighting, and for repaving and stabilizing the trail.
Old City District received $1 million to connect Philadelphia’s historic district to the riverfront as well as educate the nearly 4 million visitors each year about the Lenni Lenape nation, the first people to live on the land before William Penn.
Isaacson said it’s her steadfast belief that mental health is equally important to physical health, and we need to provide better access to quality physical and mental health. Temple University Hospital was awarded $2 million to modernize its Behavioral Health Facility to help people with substance use disorder.
Isaacson said to enhance Philadelphia’s stellar reputation regarding the arts, the Pennsylvania Association/Philadelphia Ballet received $1.5 million to expand and complete its existing facility – the Center for Dance, as well as construction of new studios, a dancer wellness/physical therapy center, a costume shop, classroom and a gallery to display local art.
In additional support of the arts, a $2.5 million grant was awarded to the Northwest Arch LLC to completely renovate the inside and outside of the Trocadero building, which will include a full-service restaurant and careful work to preserve the original architecture.
$1 million was also awarded to the L-A Battery QOZ, LLC for the Louis Kahn Barge project. The funding will be used for site work to ensure safe access to the waterfront and the relocation of the historic Louis Kahn Barge on the property that will be central in establishing a new destination for visitors to the neighborhood and region. It will also include a music barge and pedestrian pathways, emergency vehicle access points, and parking.
The New Kensington Community Development Corp. received $3 million to construct new homes in Kensington. These homes will be energy efficient, ADA accessible, and will include quality finishes and appliances.
The Nation Constitution Center was awarded $500,000 to make upgrades to the interior and exterior.
“The variety of funds awarded reflect the greatness and diversity of our district,” Isaacson said. “I am ecstatic that this funding will help so many wonderful causes that will improve the quality of life for Philadelphia residents and visitors alike.”
The funds were awarded through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, a commonwealth grant program overseen by the Office of the Budget to assist with regional cultural, economic, civic, and historical projects that improve a community’s economic growth by creating jobs and opportunities.