$1.6 Million in Grant Funding Awarded within 106th District, Mehaffie Says

December 18, 2025

HARRISBURG – More than $1.6 million in grant funding awarded today includes a project to make Hershey Medical Center more accommodating to children, people with autism and those experiencing behavioral health emergencies, according to Rep. Tom Mehaffie (R-Dauphin).

The Commonwealth Financing Authority approved grants for 10 projects in the 106th District. They are:

• Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, $458,659 for renovations to make spaces more adaptable for patient needs.
• Conewago Township, $109,383 for a pickup truck used to plow snow and spread salt.
• Derry Township, $182,477 for handicapped-accessible sidewalk ramps in the Briarcrest and Southpoint neighborhoods.
• Derry Township Municipal Authority, $105,000 for stormwater management improvements along Locust Street.
• Hummelstown Borough, $250,000 to address stormwater issues along Parkside Avenue.
• Conewago Township, $71,690 for upgrades to the pavilion and amphitheater at Danny Fisher Memorial Park.
• Middletown Borough, $216,250 for the construction of a walking trail between Swatara Creek and the Susquehanna River.
• Royalton Borough, $100,000 for a new public works building.
• East Hanover Township, $75,000 for renovations of the tennis/pickleball, basketball and hockey courts at the community park.
• Middletown Borough, $75,000 for a walking path at the local pool.

Mehaffie advocated for the funding from two programs – the Local Share Account and the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program. The former generates its allocations from gaming revenue, while the latter comes from a tax on natural gas drilling.

Mehaffie said helping municipalities with their purchasing needs reduces the burden on local taxpayers.

A longtime advocate of services for those with autism spectrum disorder, behavioral health challenges and intellectual disabilities, Mehaffie is especially pleased about the grants for Hershey Medical Center to address gaps in behavioral health care. The only two behavioral health observation rooms in the existing facility are not designed for minors or times with high patient volume.

“I have spent years trying to get applied behavior analysts recognized with title protection in the state of Pennsylvania. It is important to provide that form of therapy and others to people when they are struggling,” Mehaffie said.

“Behavioral health care is health care,” said Don McKenna, president of Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. “When someone is in crisis, hospitalization can be the critical step that ensures safety and stability, as well as hope for recovery. Across the country and here in our community, we’ve seen a significant increase in patients seeking behavioral health care in emergency departments. This funding is vital because it allows us to upgrade our facilities and expand resources to meet these growing needs. We are deeply appreciative of this support, which strengthens our ability to provide compassionate, timely care for our patients and community.”

Sen. Patty Kim (D-Dauphin) joined Mehaffie in obtaining the grants.
“This is government working in a bipartisan way to deliver results,” Kim said. “These grants support critical projects like new equipment to keep our roads safe during winter weather, accessibility improvements so everyone can navigate our neighborhoods, infrastructure repairs to prevent flooding, and recreational trails that improve our communities. Rep. Mehaffie and I are committed to supporting our local governments as they look to improve infrastructure and quality of life for residents.”

Representative Thomas L. Mehaffie III
106th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch
717-260-6563
jfitch@pahousegop.com
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