January 20, 2026
West Chester, Pa (January 20, 2026) – Twelve infrastructure projects to improve stormwater management and water quality in communities across Chester County were recently awarded state funding, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced.
“Flooding is the most common natural disaster in Pennsylvania and as we continue to face increased precipitation, extreme weather, and the growing impacts of climate change, investments in our water and stormwater runoff infrastructure play a key role in safeguarding the health, wellness, and economic prosperity of our communities,” said Comitta, who serves as minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
The funds, approved today by the Commonwealth Finance Authority, come through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Small Water and Sewer Grant Program.
Projects in the 19th Senatorial District that were awarded funds are as follows:
- $500,000 for the Borough of West Chester for Phase II of the Goose Creek Sanitary Sewer Conveyance Improvements.
- $205,000 for East Caln Township for the Windridge Subdivision Basin Retrofits.
- $250,000 for East Caln Township to rehabilitate the Bell Tavern Boulevard stormwater facilities.
- $205,000 for East Goshen Municipal Authority to upgrade the Hunt Country Pump Station.
- $386,000 for the City of Coatesville to replace stormwater inlets citywide.
- $355,000 for the Chester Water Authority for the Oxford Valve Replacement project.
- $36,000 for Londonderry Township for the Stormwater Culvert Pipe Replacement project.
- $355,000 for the Borough of Oxford for the Oxford Water Mains Replacement and Lead Remediation project.
- $355,000 for the Oxford Area Sewer Authority for the Tasty Bake Pump Station.
- $419,000 for the West Goshen Sewer Authority for the Interceptor Rehabilitation project.
- $180,000 for West Whiteland Township for the Air Release Valve project.
- $354,000 for Willistown Township for the West Chester Pike Sewer Extension project.
In addition to Comitta, the projects that were awarded funding are represented by State Representatives Chris Pielli, Dan Williams, Melissa Shusterman, Kristine Howard, and John Lawrence.
The PA Small Water and Sewer program assists with the construction, improvement, expansion, or rehabilitation or repair of a water supply system, sanitary sewer system, storm sewer system, or flood control projects with a cost of less than $500,000.
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January 20, 2026
West Chester, Pa (January 20, 2026) – Four projects to improve intersections, repair bridges, and install new sidewalks in Easttown, East Caln, New London, and Oxford were recently awarded state funding, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced.
“These investments will help ensure public safety on our roads and bridges while expanding options for pedestrians and adding to the walkability of communities across Chester County,” Comitta said.
The grant funds, which were approved today through the Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF), are as follows:
- $335,000 for East Caln Township to make pedestrian safety improvements along at the intersection of Wallace Avenue/Creek Road and Norwood Road.
- $996,000 for Easttown Township to install new sidewalks, ADA ramps, and crosswalks to enhance pedestrian safety around Beaumont Elementary and Hilltop Park.
- $338,000 for New London Township to repair the Conard Mill Bridge.
- $87,000 for Oxford Borough to install sidewalks along Western Terrance.
In addition to Comitta, the 4 projects that were awarded funding are represented by State Representatives Melissa Shusterman, Kristine Howard, and John Lawrence.
The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grant funding to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, and ports and rail freight entities to improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit access.
January 16, 2026
Harrisburg, Pa (January 16, 2026) — Eligible seniors and adults with disabilities can now apply for a rebate of up to $1000 on property taxes or rent paid last year by applying for the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced today.
“The Property Tax Rent Rebate program is an important program to help put more money back in the pockets of our older neighbors and friends with disabilities,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Aging and Youth Committee. “If you or someone you know may qualify for the program, I encourage you to apply, and please reach out to my office if you have any questions about the application process. My team and I are ready to help.”
The program, funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, provides seniors 65 and older, widows/widowers 50 and older, and adults 18 and older with disabilities with a rebate on their property tax or rent paid in 2025.
In addition to age requirements, an applicant’s household income must be $48,110 or less annually. Half of Social Security income is excluded when determining income.
Applications for the program are open from now until June 30th, 2026.
Thanks to Act 7 of 2023, which Comitta supported and voted for, the program’s income limit is now automatically increased to adjust for the cost of living so that no one loses eligibility due to the annual increase in Social Security payments.
Interested applicants can apply online at
PA.gov/PTRR or by completing the
PA-1000 paper application. Property owners must submit copies of stamped, paid property tax receipts for 2025, and renters must submit a completed
PA Rent Certificate completed by a landlord or property manager, along with the application.
Application assistance is available by appointment at Senator Comitta’s district office in West Chester or one of eight satellite outreach office locations throughout Chester County. To schedule an appointment, call Senator Comitta’s office at (610) 692-2112 or go to pasenatorcomitta.com/contact.
January 15, 2026
West Chester, Pa (January 6, 2026) – Senior citizens can apply for or renew their free SEPTA Senior Key Cards at Senator Carolyn Comitta’s signup event at the Chester County Library & District Center in Exton on Wednesday, January 28, from 10 a.m. to noon.
“Many seniors rely on SEPTA, and I hope they take advantage of this program to help them get where they need to go for free or at a discounted cost,” Comitta said. “From attending medical appointments to visiting loved ones, to taking a day trip to the park or a museum, SEPTA Senior Key Cards can be a lifeline for our older community members.”
The SEPTA Senior Key Card, funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, is available for free to all seniors aged 65 and older. With the card, seniors can ride all SEPTA buses, trolleys, subways, and regional rail lines in Pennsylvania for free. Trains to and from New Jersey and Delaware using the senior card are charged at half fare.
To apply, seniors must bring a form of identification that verifies their age. This includes a driver’s license, photo identification card, birth certificate, passport, or Social Security statement of age.
The Chester County Library & District Center is located at 450 Exton Square Parkway.
If you cannot make the event, please contact Senator Comitta’s district office to schedule an appointment to apply for or renew your card.
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January 15, 2026
This month, we’re highlighting the importance of spending time outdoors in supporting mental health and wellness. Have you ever felt like fresh air and exercise put you in a better mood? You’re not alone.
Multiple studies show that spending time outdoors is associated with clear benefits for physical and mental health. In fact, 82 percent of Pennsylvanians agree that outdoor recreation supports mental health, with 74 percent advocating its use in mental health care, according to a recent Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) survey.
Outdoor recreation can also help:
- Combat seasonal affective disorder through exposure to natural light.
- Facilitate opportunities for healthy social interaction and community building.
- Manage stress, improve cardiovascular health, and boost endorphin levels.
- Gain a better understanding of local ecology, wildlife, and native species.
- Connect and create through painting, photography, or other outdoor arts.
- Aid in recovery for mental health or addiction disorders through the Commonwealth’s Recover in Nature initiative.
This year’s bipartisan state budget also includes continued investments in trails, state parks, and forests, and related infrastructure upgrades, as well as a funding increase for DCNR. DCNR is also posting information about the 9-8-8 crisis line and suicide prevention resources at start parks and forests, as sadly, remote natural areas and even local parks are sometimes the sites of suicides/attempted suicides.
With 2025 behind us, it’s the perfect time to develop a new habit or routine to support and maintain positive mental health. The good news it starts right outside your front door, and you don’t have to wait until spring to take the first step. Begin small with easy, manageable goals that fit your schedule. And if you’re looking for a change of scenery, Pennsylvania is home to numerous parks, trails, streams, waterways, and open spaces to explore.
January 14, 2026
January 14, 2026
January 14, 2026
January 6, 2026
West Chester, Pa (January 6, 2026) – West Whiteland Township will upgrade traffic lights at multiple intersections near the Main Street at Exton Shopping Center, thanks to state funding that was recently approved, state Senator Carolyn Comitta said.
The township was awarded funding to improve traffic signals at multiple intersections along Route 100 and Commerce Drive.
“West Whiteland Township is thrilled to receive this critical Green Light-Go grant,” said West Whiteland Township’s Board of Supervisors Raj Kumbhardare, Brian Dunn, and Libby Madarasz. “Traffic is a top concern for everyone who lives, works, or visits here, and this funding will support improvements along Route 100 and Commerce Drive. We are grateful to partner with Senator Comitta and her team on initiatives that make a meaningful difference for our community.”
“As our region continues to grow and attract more visitors, investments in our traffic safety infrastructure, like this, will help reduce congestion, improve the flow of traffic, and ensure a safe ride for everyone,” Comitta said.
The funding comes as part of nearly $30 million awarded to 57 municipalities across the Commonwealth through the Green Light Go Program. The program supports projects that upgrade traffic signal detection and control technology, enabling signals to respond to real-time traffic conditions, reducing congestion, and improving safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
“Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, our top priority is serving the people of our Commonwealth by improving the services that make a real difference in Pennsylvanians’ lives,” said Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll. “The safety improvements supported by the Green Light-Go program will help municipalities reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, and keep Pennsylvanians moving safely and efficiently. I’m proud that PennDOT continues to partner with communities to deliver real results.”
The Green Light Go Program is a competitive state grant program administered by PennDOT. It is a reimbursement program, and applicants are required to provide a minimum 20 percent match.
Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, installation of light-emitting diode (LED) technology, traffic signal retiming, special-event traffic planning, traffic signal monitoring, and upgrades to modern signal technologies.
The program is made possible by Act 89 of 2013.
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January 5, 2026
West Chester, Pa (December 29, 2025) – The Oxford Area Historical Association (OAHA) got a big boost in its effort to purchase the historic building that it calls home, thanks to state funding secured by State Senator Carolyn Comitta and State Rep. John Lawrence.
Comitta and Lawrence worked together to secure a $700,000 investment from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Local Share Account Program.
OAHA will use the funds to buy the former Union School Building at 119 S. 5th Street in Oxford, which it has leased since 2003. The nonprofit organization has an agreement of sale for the property and plans to continue to develop it into a gateway for regional tourism, welcoming visitors to the area and directing them to nearby historic sites.
Krys Sipple, OAHA Executive Director, thanked Comitta, Lawrence, and West Nottingham Township for partnering with OAHA on the project.
“This support arrives at a particularly meaningful moment for OAHA, as we celebrate our 25th anniversary and prepare to commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation. Together, these milestones underscore the importance of preserving and sharing local stories that help connect our community to the broader American experience,” Sipple said. “This investment will help ensure that our History Center can serve as a lasting resource for education, engagement, and civic pride for generations to come.”
OAHA’s History Center features 6,000 square feet of usable space, a side yard, and a 40-car parking lot. In addition, the recently renovated building includes an accessible entrance ramp, handicapped bathrooms, a full-building HVAC system, a large generator, and the potential to expand into the basement and develop shared space on the second floor. The added space and ample room to grow mean OAHA can house its archives on site and collaborate with more volunteers, students, community organizations, and municipal historical commissions.
“This investment will help ensure that Oxford and Southern Chester County have a permanent home to explore, preserve, and share the stories of our past,” Comitta said. “I want to thank all of the volunteers, supporters, and community partners who continue to work to keep our heritage alive at OAHA and the many historical organizations and commissions throughout our region.”
“For the past 25 years, OAHA has done remarkable work telling the story of the greater Oxford area from colonial times to the present,” said Rep Lawrence. “With the 250th anniversary of our nation approaching, we will celebrate the key role Southern Chester County played in our nation’s founding, with several founding fathers calling our area home. This funding ensures a permanent home to share the rich heritage and history of our community, both now and for generations to come.”
For more information on the OAHA, visit www.oxfordhistorical.org
