Coatesville, five boroughs get grants

WEST CHESTER The Chester County commissioners approved $2.9 million in grant awards Tuesday to help revitalize five county boroughs and the city of Coatesville.

Kennett Square is getting $280,000 for its West Cypress Street water main project; Honey Brook will receive about $200,000 to continue its business-district streetscape improvements; Phoenixville, $400,000, to build up its Schuylkill flood-retaining wall and protect water treatment plant equipment; and Avondale, $620,000, for water-system improvements.

South Coatesville and Coatesville each will get $700,000. South Coatesville will use the money for sanitary sewer line extensions and storm water improvements. Coatesville will realign the intersection at First Avenue and Lincoln Highway as part of its revitalization plan.

"In addition to improving the public health and safety of our community, these funds have encouraged more commercial and residential growth, and have spurred significant increases in taxable assessments in the urban centers," Commissioner Ryan Costello said in a statement.

The county has awarded more than $54.4 million in grants for infrastructure improvements since the Community Revitalization Program started in 2002. - Michaelle Bond