The efforts to raise funding and install docks in Bristol Borough has finally hit a point of certainty.
At a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Bristol Borough and area lawmakers announced that the final piece of funding had been received for for the project, which could potentially cost $3 million. The final piece of the funding for the project expected to help boost business in the business district comes from Pennsylvania itself and totals $700,784.
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State Sen. Tommy Tomlinson, a Republican, and State Rep. John Galloway, a Democrat, worked for the town to achieve the additional funding.
The borough council was forced to accept the bid before all of the money was in place at June’s Council meeting. At the time, the project had $2.5 million towards the projects in terms of grants, out of a necessary $3 million. The borrowed money would force a slight tax increase for borough residents. However, the grant money will help residents avoid paying for the docks in their tax bill.
In attendance of the press conference to announce the final piece of funding were local, county, state and federal officials. All members of borough council who voted for the docks were present, County Commissioner Robert Loughery and Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick were all present for the announcement.
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Bill Pezza, president of Bristol Borough: Raising the Bar, gave opening remarks at the press conference, citing the day as “one of the happiest of his life,” excluding his wedding and the birth of his children. “This project will have a profound impact on the economic development of Bristol Borough.”
The improvement, according to Pezza, has already begun. The purchase of the King George II Inn, the opening of Mill Street Cantina and the development of the former Stocks Building all stemmed from anticipation of the docks, Pezza explained.
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“There is a buzz in the air,” Pezza said. “This project is vital to keeping that buzz alive.”
“I just want to thank everyone for coming out today,” said Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe II. He added that the project has been a vision since 2010.
Throughout his speech, DiGuiseppe thanked everyone in attendance who worked to make the docks a reality, including the council members who have voted for the project and people such as Gene Williams of the Grundy Foundation and state and federal officials for helping to raise the money and bring the docks to life.
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“This belongs here. It adds to this,” Tomlinson said. “You showed that you had a great idea and investment here, and it’s going to make your town better,” he said.
