Accountability in PFAS contamination
U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Dan Kildee have introduced legislation to continue to ensure accountability at the Department of Defense for communities impacted by the widespread, ongoing PFAS contamination crisis. The bill would establish a new position at the Pentagon — Coordinator for PFAS-Impacted Defense Engagement — to improve transparency, drive remediation and give a voice to communities suffering from this toxic legacy.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as “forever chemicals,” are toxic compounds linked to cancer, thyroid disorders and other life-threatening health conditions. Historically used in military firefighting foam, these toxic chemicals have contaminated water and soil in communities near military installations, leaving millions of families at risk.
Under the legislation, the PFAS coordinator would be responsible for engaging directly with affected communities to address concerns, ensure accountability and provide updates on remediation efforts; streamlining communication among local stakeholders, advocacy organizations and federal agencies; and driving progress on cleanup efforts with transparency and urgency.
“PFAS contamination is one of the most serious and far-reaching public health crises of our time, and alongside Congressman Kildee, tackling it has been at the heart of our work in Congress,” said Fitzpatrick, co-chairman of the Congressional PFAS Task Force. “Our bipartisan legislation demands decisive action and transparency from the Department of Defense, ensuring that impacted communities are no longer ignored or left in the dark. Families in Pennsylvania’s First District and across the nation deserve swift solutions and the unwavering commitment of their government to protect their health, safety and future.” ••
Money for 2 local schools
State Rep. Joe Hogan announced that a school and a school district in the 142nd Legislative District have received funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s School Safety and Security Committee.
Our Lady of Grace Catholic School received $4,000 in targeted school safety grants for nonpublic schools.
Neshaminy School District received $282,852 from the SSSC school safety and mental health grant program.
“I have said before that safe schools are the schools in which our students work best,” Hogan said. “These grants will make our area schools safer and make sure they continue to be the best places for our students to learn and grow.” ••
Bill passes to rename post office after flood victim
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick celebrated the Senate passage of his bill with Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman to rename the Washington Crossing Post Office the “Susan C. Barnhart Post Office.” The companion legislation was introduced by Sens. Bob Casey and John Fetterman. The legislation heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
Susan Barnhart was one of the seven victims who lost their lives in the catastrophic flash flooding in Bucks County on July 15, 2023. She was a dedicated employee of the Washington Crossing Post Office and resident of Titusville, New Jersey.
“Last July, our community was shaken to the core when a devastating flash flood claimed the lives of seven innocent individuals, including the remarkable Susan Barnhart. A true exemplar of public service and compassion, Susan brought joy to everyone she encountered. While her absence leaves an irreplaceable void, the Senate passage of this legislation to rename the Washington Crossing Post Office ensures her legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Thank you to Congresswoman Watson Coleman and my colleagues in the House and Senate for joining me to honor Susan and the memories of all those we lost that day,” Fitzpatrick said.
“This is not only a memorial of Susan’s death but a fond remembrance of her boundless passion and energy for life,” said Susan’s sister, Lynda Barnhart. “Susan’s joy was helping others, always with a warm smile, and she left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was devoted to her work at the Post Office and genuinely cared for her customers and co-workers — it was never just a job to her, and she consistently went above and beyond to help others. Still, almost a year later, people are sharing stories with us about how they would visit the Post Office just to experience her smile and service. Susie made everyone she encountered feel special and brightened their days — this dedication perfectly honors her memory and spirit.” ••
State money to fund Bensalem playground
Rep. K.C. Tomlinson announced that the redevelopment project of the Imagination Land Playground in Bensalem has received a $386,300 grant. The funding comes from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnerships Program.
“I am so happy to see this funding go toward the redevelopment project at Imagination Land Playground,” Tomlinson said. “This playground is a vital outdoor space for the Bensalem community, and I know this will help make sure it gets important updates so every family can continue to enjoy it.”
Funding for this project will go to the renovation of the parking area and pedestrian walkway; installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing and utilities; and ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. ••
Money for conservation efforts
Legislation led by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick to authorize the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program through 2030 unanimously passed out of the House Committee on Natural Resources. The DRBRP brings together the federal government and state and local partners to meet conservation needs throughout the watershed region.
Since its enactment in 2016, the legislation has awarded $72.1 million and generated $100 million in match to fund nearly 250 projects. The reauthorization reinforces collaboration among federal, state and local governments to advance restoration initiatives, ensuring the Delaware River Basin remains a cornerstone of ecological and economic vitality for generations to come.
The bill is endorsed by the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed.
Fitzpatrick said, “The Delaware River is a lifeline for our communities in Bucks and Montgomery counties and a treasured resource for our region. I am incredibly grateful to Chairman Westerman and the Committee on Natural Resources for moving this critical piece of legislation forward today. This bipartisan, bicameral effort ensures that federal funding continues to empower our state, local and nonprofit partners in their conservation and restoration efforts. Together, we are preserving this national treasure for future generations.” ••
Farry office hours in Bensalem
State Sen. Frank Farry (R-6th dist.) is offering satellite office hours the first Wednesday of every month, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Bensalem Township Municipal Building, 2400 Byberry Road, Bensalem.
Farry’s staff will be on site to assist with state government services; Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications, birth and death certificate applications, SEPTA Senior Key card registrations and renewals; and unemployment issues. ••
Lower South supervisor meeting schedule
The Lower Southampton Township Board of Supervisors meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at the Township Building, 1500 Desire Ave., Feasterville. The next meeting is Dec. 11. ••
Bensalem Council meeting schedule
Bensalem Township Council meetings are generally held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Building at 2400 Byberry Road, Bensalem.
Meetings can be viewed live on Comcast Xfinity Channel 22 in Bensalem and on Verizon Fios Channel 34 throughout Bucks County. They can also be streamed live on the Bensalem Township YouTube channel.
The next meeting will be Dec. 16. ••
Bensalem school board meeting schedule
The Bensalem Township Board of School Directors holds meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Dorothy D. Call Administrative Center, 3000 Donallen Drive, Bensalem.
The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 17, the third Tuesday of the month, to avoid meeting on Christmas Eve.
The public is invited to attend. ••
Commissioners meeting
The Bucks County Commissioners meet on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Bucks County Administration Building, 55 E. Court St., in Doylestown.
The meetings are broadcast on the county’s YouTube channel.
The next meeting will be Dec. 18. ••
