Franklin County Receives $1,000,000 Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program Grant

On September 11, 2018, the Franklin County Commissioners were notified of a $1 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant awarded to support the County Court Facility Improvement Project. The grant will help offset costs associated with demolition and site preparation. Demolition is anticipated to begin in late October of this year.

“On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, we want to express our sincere gratitude to Senator Alloway and Representative Kauffman for their strong support of this project and its funding,” said Dave Keller, Chairman.

The project will increase efficiency by collocating the County’s core services into one location. The project will include significant renovations and new construction on several downtown properties. Since the last major expansion of court facilities in 1979, Franklin County has experienced nearly 40% population growth. It has added three judges with support staff, assistant district attorneys, public defenders, and other personnel to a courthouse originally constructed for two presiding judges. Studies conducted in 2009 recommended an expansion of court facilities; however, the project was placed on hold due to the unfavorable economic conditions. Fiscal responsibility remains the County’s goal, therefore, much deliberation has gone into the planned project to ensure the most efficient and effective use of tax dollars to meet the impending needs of County residents.

“This grant represents an endorsement of Franklin County’s Court Facility Improvement Project,” stated Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski.

Senator Rich Alloway (R) said, “Franklin County is one of the fastest growing counties in the Commonwealth and the population growth has placed a strain on the County’s court system and facilities. The primary goal of the new project is to improve efficiency and security.”

In addition to Alloway, and Representative Rob Kauffman (R), the County’s grant request was supported by Representative Adam Harris (R), Senator John Eichelberger (R), Senator Pat Toomey (R), Senator Robert Casey Jr. (D), President Judge Carol L. Van Horn,  the Franklin County Area Development Corporation, Franklin County Historical Society, Franklin County Visitor’s Bureau, and the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce.

“The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant plays a significant role in funding this project and it is very much appreciated,” said Commissioner Bob Thomas.

As of September 11, 2018, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Office of the Budget has awarded nearly $230 million in funding for projects throughout the State. Since 1986, RACP has been a critical funding source for substantial economic development projects in Pennsylvania.

Please send any questions or comments to John Hart, Project Manager at jahart@franklincountypa.gov.

Return to list.