Local Issues |
Fighting For 8th District FamiliesMaking Washington Crossing VA National Cemetery a Reality Making Washington Crossing VA National Cemetery a RealityThose who have sacrificed so much to ensure our freedom deserve a fitting final resting place worthy of their service to our great nation. That’s why Congressman Murphy has worked so hard to make the Washington Crossing VA National Cemetery a reality Stopping a Waste Transfer Station in BensalemWaste Transfer Stations, while important, could also pose a serious health and environmental risk to those who live nearby. They are garbage piles are as tall as two stories and composed of trash, largely made of construction debris that can include elevated levels of arsenic and mercury. In the case of the proposed waste transfer station in Bensalem, a company called J.P. Rail tried to go around the Bensalem Township and state rulings preventing this waste transfer station.
Creating a Green Energy Jobs in Bucks CountyBucks County is becoming a hub for green energy industries. Already home to Gamesa, the second largest windmill manufacturer in the world, Bucks County has also welcomed solar and biofuels manufacturers who will create thousands of good paying jobs. Helping Yardley Recover from FloodingAfter three floods in 22 months, the sewer system in Yardley was left severely damaged. Flood waters entered the sewers, pushing waste water into homes and businesses, and devastating the local economy and hundreds of homes. Following the June 2006 flood, Yardley Borough was forced to borrow $6.4 million to cover the costs for repair to its badly damaged sewer system. Yardley was only set to receive $112,324 through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program, the burden on taxpayers was significant.
Securing an EMS Trailer in Springfield TownshipLocated in Springfield Township, the Upper Bucks Regional Emergency Medical Services, UBREMS, protects about 30,000 people in Upper Bucks, providing full time paramedics and emergency services. In January 2007, toxic mold was found in one of the two UBREMS stations. It would have cost $30,000 to restore the building – something that the township could not afford to pay. The building was demolished, and UBREMS personnel were forced to move outside the township. This greatly increased emergency response times to life-threatening situations where minutes could mean the difference between life and death. However by working with officials at both the state and local levels, Congressman Murphy was able to secure a brand new mobile home from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and have it sent to Springfield Township to be placed on the original UBREMS site. By obtaining this mobile home for UBREMS, we saved tens of thousands in tax dollars for Springfield Township residents; but more importantly, it will save lives in the future. Helping Redevelopment in Lower BucksRedevelopment and economic revitalization in Lower Bucks is a top priority. Congressman Murphy is working closely with state and local governments to promote economic development in Lower Bucks—especially moving forward on the recommendations in the Bucks County Waterfront Plan. Some of the steps Congressman Murphy is taking on this front include:
Hosting a Veterans Jobs and Business Opportunities RoundtableVeterans seeking employment and small businesses looking for employees do not always know how to find each other. That is why Congressman Murphy, himself an Army veteran, held a round table discussion concerning employment and small business opportunities for veterans. This excellent event was an excellent opportunity that brought together veterans, small business, and entrepreneurial communities. The Veterans Jobs and Business Opportunities Roundtable addressed ways to promote the hiring of veterans, including ways to reach out to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, promoting services available to veterans who are seeking employment, and the benefits of hiring veterans. Additionally, it addressed the ways to assist veterans forming small businesses, and discussed different opportunities for Veterans Owned Small Businesses (VOSB) and services available for veterans starting and developing VOSB’s. Funding Gang Prevention EffortsGang violence has reached Bucks County. Our officers on the street are working hard, and we need to continue to do everything we can to stop this trend. Congressman Murphy believes that we need to work together to stop the influence of gangs on our children and our communities, before these gangs establish themselves in our neighborhoods. That means giving law enforcement professionals the tools they need. Congressman Murphy fought for $352,500 to help fund the Bucks County Security Threat Group Initiative, a County-wide gang prevention program that will empower law enforcement to curb this growing problem. This is a comprehensive approach to reducing gang violence, using both enforcement and education. The majority of the funding will be used to create a task force of local law enforcement agencies for proactive policing. The project will also provide for better information sharing among agencies. It will allow further training and awareness programs for parents and teachers. This will be a county-wide effort, and yet another example of how we can benefit from cooperation at all levels of government. Protecting the Future of Willow Grove Air BaseCongressman Murphy teamed up with neighboring Montgomery County Rep. Allyson Schwartz (PA-13) to offer and pass an amendment to the FY2009 NDAA, that will prevent future use of the airfield at NASJRB Willow Grove for commercial and cargo purposes - an important victory for the local community. Pennsylvania is currently working with the DoD to transform Willow Grove into a Joint Interagency Operation Installation dedicated to national defense, homeland security, and emergency preparedness. This amendment - drafted in coordination with Pennsylvania’s Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, supported by federal, state and local leaders and virtually all of the Pennsylvania congressional delegation and both Senators – is an important step towards Willow Grove achieving its homeland security mission. Governor Rendell said "I commend Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz and Congressman Patrick Murphy for introducing an amendment to pending Department of Defense legislation to address [the air strip at Willow Grove].” Helping Businesses on River Road RecoverCongressman Patrick Murphy convened several meetings in a public-private partnership to assist River Road businesses recovering from the disastrous effects of flooding. These businesses have encountered immense economic hardship due to road closures resulting from flood damage caused by the Delaware River in 2005 and 2006. Murphy was able to bring together: the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce; the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce; the Bucks County Commissioners, local municipal governments; the Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau; the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and others to identify ways to promote these businesses during the extended road closures. Several initiatives resulted from these meetings, including: special signage placed at key detour points along River Road; enhanced web site directions to the River Road area, and; a special program - “Dining on the Delaware” - coordinated by the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce. Securing Important Firefighter GrantsCongressman Patrick Murphy is fighting to ensure our first responders have the resources they need.
Fighting for Better Service to Cornwells Heights StationAt a time when economic growth is vital to this region, increasing commuter participation from Cornwells Heights will not only decrease traffic, congestion and air pollution, but it will also stimulate the local economy. At its peak, 26,000 riders used Cornwells Heights every year and that number was growing by 11 percent. Now commuters face the option of fewer trains and higher fares (avg. $972 per/month), or longer commutes through SEPTA, crowded highways with record gas prices. At a time when Lower Bucks County is making progress with economic growth and revitalization, improvements for commuters can continue moving the region forward.
Grants to Help the HomelessCongressman Murphy was pleased to announce continued funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for nine 8th-district homeless assistance providers. These organizations provide shelter and other critical supportive services for homeless individuals and families. The grants, totaling nearly $750,000 will help homeless shelters and other providers to continue to provide emergency shelter and affordable housing to people in need. $747,310 to Nine 8th District Organizations:
Funding for Environmental ProjectsCongressman Murphy joined with the Bucks County Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to announce the award of $101,000 in combined federal and private funding for improvements to the Mill Creek Watershed. The money will allow the Bucks County Chapter of Trout Unlimited to improve stream habitat - specifically for brown trout. The project promises to benefit all cold water fisheries, as well as enhance the land and water in the 21-square mile watershed. The grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Delaware Estuary Program will restore eroding streambanks, establish a riparian buffer and remove a dam on Watson Creek. Congressman Murphy is committed to protecting our environment, not only through national policy, but also by utilizing the resources of the federal government to fund local projects The award is one of only 22 grants given to local nonprofits and government by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to fund conservation projects under its Delaware Estuary Watershed Grants Program (DEWGP). |