February 25, 2026
West Chester, Pa (February 24, 2026) – Fire and emergency medical services organizations serving communities throughout Chester County were recently awarded state grant funding through the Pennsylvania Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services (FCEMS) program, state Senator Carolyn Comitta said.
In announcing the funding, Comitta also highlighted Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposal to make additional investments in fire and EMS companies in this year’s state budget.
The FCEMS program, administered through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, provides annual, formula-based funding to eligible volunteer and paid fire, EMS, and rescue organizations, with grants up to $20,000 for fire companies and up to $15,000 for EMS companies.
This year, fire and EMS organizations serving the 19th Senatorial District, which Senator Comitta represents, were awarded more than $600,000 in total funding through the FCEMS program. The funds were part of $37 million in total grant funding awarded to more than 2,500 eligible applicants statewide.
“We depend on fire, EMS, and rescue organizations to keep our communities safe and to answer the call of duty whenever dangerous and life-threatening situations arise,” Comitta said. “They rely on this annual funding to maintain their services. Now, it’s time that we build on these investments to ensure that our emergency first responders are trained, equipped, and ready to do their jobs safely and effectively.”
Under the program, funds can be used for construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, debt reduction, training and certification costs, public education about fire safety, and recruitment and retention, including volunteer firefighter length-of-service award programs and programs for minors.
“Our firefighters and EMS personnel answer the call every day, often under challenging conditions and with limited resources. This investment reflects the Shapiro Administration’s continued commitment to supporting the fire and EMS services that Pennsylvanians rely on in emergencies,” said State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook. “Fire and EMS companies are facing increased call volumes, rising costs, and ongoing recruitment and retention challenges. These grants help ensure departments can maintain readiness, improve safety, and continue serving their communities effectively.”
In the 2025-26 state budget, Governor Shapiro is calling for an additional $30 million competitive grant program to build on and nearly double the investment through the FCEMS.
“Every single day, firefighters across Pennsylvania run towards danger to keep people safe from harm. We owe it to these Pennsylvania heroes to have their backs and stand by them,” said Governor Shapiro. “While the Commonwealth already provides funding for fire companies, the current system doesn’t allow departments to make major investments – these competitive grants would change that. Public safety is at the heart of our work as elected leaders, and when our communities are safe, we build a strong foundation for growth across Pennsylvania.”
Under Shapiro, the Commonwealth has awarded more than $140 million in FCEMS grants to eligible fire and EMS organizations.
Companies have until May 31, 2026, to submit their 2025-26 FCEMS Grant Agreements. All final reports (including all supporting documents) must be submitted electronically via the grant application by September 1, 2026. More information on the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grants program can be found online at https://www.osfc.pa.gov/
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February 17, 2026
West Chester, Pa (February 17, 2026) – Pennsylvania college students who attend school in-state and plan to live and work in the Commonwealth after graduation are invited to apply for up to $5,000 in student financial aid through the Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced.
Applications are now being accepted for the program, which aims to reverse the trend of young Pennsylvanians studying here before leaving to pursue job and career opportunities in other states.
Now in its second year, Grow PA supports eligible in-state students who agree to attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree in an in-demand occupation, and work in that occupation in the Commonwealth after graduation.
“Pennsylvania is home to many colleges, universities, and institutes of higher learning that attract in-state students to in-demand fields and courses of study. With the Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program, it pays for them to stay in the Commonwealth after graduation,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “I encourage students to apply for the scholarship so they can develop their skills, build our workforce, strengthen our economy, and lead the next generation of innovative and successful Pennsylvanians.”
Last year, 5,700 students participating in one or more of the more than 460 eligible programs of study or majors were awarded a grant. The top programs of study in the first year of Grow PA included nursing, early childhood education, business administration and management, biological sciences, accounting, computer science, engineering, trades, agriculture, criminal justice, and more.
Grant recipients are required to work in Pennsylvania for one year for each year they receive the grant. Failure to meet the requirements will result in the grant being converted to a loan that must be repaid.
A student can receive a Grow PA Grant for up to 4 academic years. Grant recipients must reapply each year, meaning applicants who received the grant last year must reapply to receive it again for the upcoming academic year.
Interested applicants must complete the 2026-2027 Grow PA Scholarship Grant Application and submit the completed form through a PHEAA Account Access profile on pheaa.org. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
The program was created through Act 89 of 2024, which Comitta voted for in the State Senate.
This year’s state budget added $7.5 million to Grow PA, enough to fund an estimated 1,500 additional students in the 2026-27 academic year.
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February 11, 2026
West Chester, Pa (February 11, 2026) – Three intersections in the Downingtown area will be upgraded to enhance traffic and pedestrian safety and relief congestion thanks to state funding approved this week, state Senator Carolyn Comitta and state Rep. Danielle Friel Otten announced.
“Investments in our transportation infrastructure help make our roads safer for everyone, including motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and passengers on public transit,” Comitta said. “As Chester County continues to attract more residents and visitors to the region, it’s important that we take steps, like these, to ensure smooth, safe, and efficient travel on our roadways.”
“These investments will help to improve traffic flow, walkability and pedestrian safety in a busy part of town near some of Downingtown’s most popular parks and local businesses,” said Otten. “I applaud the borough’s ongoing commitment to building a safe, convenient and welcoming community for residents and visitors.”
The grant funding, which comes through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s ARLE program, is as follows:
- $65,000 for Downingtown Borough for lane configuration and detection upgrades at the intersection of Wallace Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue, as well as detection upgrades at two adjacent intersections within the borough
- $94,000 for Downingtown Borough to enhance the existing midblock pedestrian crossing along Pennsylvania Avenue at Kerr Park.
- $257,000 for East Caln Township to replace outdated signal heads with new heads at all signalized intersections and replace five-section left-turn signal heads with four-section flashing yellow arrow signal heads.
The Chester County grants are part of 51 projects awarded more than $27 million in total to improve intersection safety across 44 municipalities statewide. Municipalities submitted 113 applications, totaling over $67 million in requests.
State law specifies that projects improving safety, enhancing mobility and reducing congestion can be considered for funding. Projects were selected by an eight-member committee based on such criteria as safety benefits and effectiveness, cost, and local and regional impact.
“Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, we’re making important investments in communities across the Commonwealth that make a real difference in the lives of Pennsylvanians,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “The ARLE program helps municipalities improve traffic flow and safety at intersections, not only for drivers, but for pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. I’m proud that PennDOT continues to invest directly in communities through programs like ARLE, delivering real results for Pennsylvanians.”
Funding for the ARLE program is supplied by fines from automatic red light enforcement violations at 38 intersections in Philadelphia. There are no automated red light enforcement intersections or locations in Chester County
Today’s funding announcement brings PennDOT’s total investment through the ARLE program to more than $60 million to support 121 safety projects under the Shapiro Administration.
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February 4, 2026
West Chester, Pa (February 4, 2026) – High school seniors and their families are invited to attend a free FAFSA workshop organized by State Senator Carolyn Comitta on the morning of Saturday, February 14, at 11 a.m. at the Chester County Intermediate Unit.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form used by students each year to apply for federal, state, and institutional financial aid for college or career school. It determines eligibility for work-study funds, need-based scholarships, loans, and private and public grant programs such as the Federal Pell Grant, the Pennsylvania State Grant, and the PATH Program.
The FAFSA serves as the largest source of student financial aid, providing over $120 billion annually in federal grants, work-study funds, and loans to nearly 10 million students. However, filling it out can be a lengthy process.
“Filling out the FAFSA is the first step to financial aid and making your dream of higher education and post-secondary success a reality,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “We’re organizing this free event so applicants can get hands-on assistance from experts in completing the FAFSA properly and submitting it on time.”
At the event, representatives from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) will be on hand to provide one-on-one support and assistance in completing the FAFSA. Spanish language translation services will be available.
Advance registration is required at pasenatorcomitta.com/fafsa
The Pennsylvania high school class of 2023 left an estimated $129 million in Pell grants on the table by not completing the FAFSA – dollars that students do not have to repay.
The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30. However, different states and different post-secondary institutions have different deadlines. Applicants are encouraged to submit the FAFSA as early as possible to maximize eligibility for grants and work-study funds, some of which are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
The FAFSA Completion deadline for access to the PA State Grant and special programs is May 1st (first-time college students at 4-year PA schools).
August 1st is the FAFSA completion deadline for PA State Grant eligibility at 2-year and business/technical colleges.
For more information on the FAFSA, visit pheaa.org/college-planning/fafsa
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February 4, 2026
February 3, 2026
January 30, 2026
January 30, 2026
January 30, 2026
West Chester, Pa (January 30, 2026) – Nine projects to expand trails, upgrade parks, preserve open space, and protect watersheds were recently awarded state funding, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced.
“While we weather frigid temperatures, residents, families, and visitors can rest assured that this spring we’ll all have even more opportunities to hike, play, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors in Chester County,” said Comitta, who serves as Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. “Investments, like these, in local opportunities for outdoor recreation benefit our economy, public health, and the overall strong quality of life in our communities.”
The projects are funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2). Those in the 19th Senatorial District, which Comitta represents, are as follows.
- $500,000 for the design work, drawings, and specifications for the rehabilitation of the Downingtown Trestle in East Caln and West Bradford Townships.
- $335,500 for East Bradford Township for the Development of the Plum Run Trail, including the construction of approximately 0.3 miles of the trail from Tigue Road of Plum Run Preserve to the Rockwell Field Athletic Complex. Additional work will include stormwater management measures, ADA access, landscaping, signage, and other improvements.
- $250,000 for the further development of East Fallowfield Township Community Park, including pickleball courts, a volleyball court, playground equipment with safety surfacing and fencing, pedestrian walkways, parking, ADA access, landscaping, project signage, and other site improvements.
- $109,500 for Oxford Borough to repair and improve Oxford Memorial Park by renovating the pedestrian walkways, constructing a bandshell, and installing utilities and stormwater management measures, as well as ADA access, landscaping, signage, and other site improvements.
- $96,700 for the Stroud Water Research Center to prepare a Watershed Conservation Plan for the Pennsylvania portion of the 69,000-acre White Clay Creek Watershed.
- $1.2 million for Natural Lands to acquire approximately 21.25 acres in Newlin Township for passive recreation and open space.
- $87,300 for Natural Lands to plant approximately 8 acres of riparian forest buffers and support post-planting establishment for 19 acres of recently planted buffers along waterways in the Delaware River Watershed in Chester County.
- $335,000 for the Chester-Ridley-Crum Watersheds Association to plant approximately 100 acres of riparian forest buffers along waterways in the Delaware River Watershed, Chester and Delaware counties.
- $132,100 for Chester County Conservation District to plant approximately 21 acres of meadows and/or upland trees in the Lower Delaware River Watershed.
In addition, Westtown Township was awarded $75,000 to prepare a Master Site Development Plan for the 204-acre Crebilly Preserve, a project that Comitta has supported since she served as state representative for the 156th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
“These investments open the door for more people to enjoy the parks, rivers, and trails that make Pennsylvania special — no matter where they live,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn. “When we invest in outdoor spaces close to home, we invest in people. These places bring families together, give kids room to play, help neighbors connect, and make our communities healthier and happier. Strong local parks and trails don’t just improve daily life, they help our towns and cities thrive for generations to come.”
The funds for the projects in Chester County come as part of nearly $82 million in total support for more than 295 recreation and conservation projects in 58 counties across the Commonwealth. Statewide, these investments will support 140 park, recreation, and conservation facility projects, 22 community and watershed forestry projects, 29 trail planning and development projects, 16 river conservation projects, and the conservation of 4,818 acres of land.
“The outdoors are for everyone — whether you enjoy spending time at a local park, out on the water, or on a trail — every Pennsylvanian deserves access to safe, welcoming outdoor spaces close to home,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Because of our investments, communities across Pennsylvania will be able to improve parks, build new trails, and help more people enjoy the benefits of nature, in cities and rural towns alike.”
The C2P2 grant program is funded by a variety of state and federal funding sources. The Chester County projects were funded through the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the Keystone Fund, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
January 28, 2026
EXTON, PA (January 28, 2026) – Nearly 300 local senior citizens will soon be saving money on SEPTA trips after State Senator Carolyn Comitta’s office helped them apply for SEPTA Senior Key Cards.
Through the SEPTA Senior Fare program, which is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, seniors 65 and older ride the SEPTA transit and regional rail system for free within Pennsylvania. Trains to and from New Jersey and Delaware using a senior card are charged at half fare.
At a recent event at the Chester County Library in Exton, Comitta’s team assisted 284 seniors in applying for their free SEPTA Senior Key Cards.
“Whether it’s getting to a doctor’s appointment, running errands, visiting family, or taking a day trip to the city, SEPTA Senior Key Cards help our residents get wherever they need to go,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Aging and Youth Committee. “My office is always ready to help our older neighbors obtain their cards, and I am grateful to the team at the Chester County Library in Exton for welcoming us for this event.”
In addition, Senator Comitta’s staff connected residents with other state resources and programs that can help.
Seniors who couldn’t attend but are interested in applying for a free card or renewing their existing one can contact Senator Comitta’s office at 610-692-2112 or pasenatorcomitta.com/contact.
Appointments are available at either her West Chester district office or one of eight monthly outreach office locations.
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