Stay informed with the latest news and resources for Pennsylvania townships and boroughs:
Grants and Funding
- Reminder: Act 13 Grant Programs Accepting Applications Until 5/31: The DCED is currently accepting applications for several Act 13 programs, including flood mitigation, greenways and trails, and sewage facilities planning, with a deadline of May 31, 2026. (https://www.psats.org/reminder-act-13-grant-programs-accepting-applications-until-5-31/)
- Funding to Make Shovel-Ready Sites Now Available: The Shapiro Administration has announced new PA SITES awards and continues to accept applications on a rolling basis to transform underused land into development-ready sites that attract businesses. (https://www.psats.org/funding-to-make-shovel-ready-sites-now-available/)
- ARLE Grants Now Accepting Scoping Forms: Townships interested in Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) funding for safety and mobility projects must submit a required pre-application scoping form, with early submissions due by April 30 for feedback. (https://www.psats.org/automated-red-light-enforcement-arle-grants-now-accepting-scoping-forms/)
Safety and Regulations
- PennDOT, PSP, and Turnpike Commission Warn Against Texting Scams: State agencies are warning residents to be wary of “smishing” scams where fraudulent text messages claim to represent tolling agencies to steal personal and financial information. (https://www.psats.org/penndot-psp-turnpike-commission-warn-against-texting-scams/)
- Is This Email Really From SAM.gov?: Officials are reminded that SAM.gov registration is free and the government will never email requesting payment; always verify your status by logging into the official site directly. (https://www.psats.org/is-this-email-really-from-sam-gov/)
- City Settles Sunshine Act Dispute for $20k: A recent $20,000 settlement involving a city serves as a critical reminder for local governments to ensure all official actions and deliberations comply with public notice and meeting requirements. (https://www.psats.org/city-settles-sunshine-act-dispute-for-20k/)
Legislation and Advocacy
- OOR Will No Longer Accept Appeals by Email Beginning April 20: Effective April 20, 2026, the Office of Open Records will transition exclusively to its online portal for electronic appeal filings, ending the practice of accepting appeals via email. (https://www.psats.org/oor-will-no-longer-accept-appeals-by-email-beginning-april-20/)
- Office of Open Records Releases 2025 Annual Report: The OOR’s latest report highlights a record-breaking year for appeals, with municipalities involved in 42% of local agency cases and a high success rate for the mediation program. (https://www.psats.org/office-of-open-records-releases-2025-annual-report/)
- Primary Voter Quickly Approaching: With the May 19 primary election nearing, the Department of State is urging voters to be aware of key deadlines and reminds them that all registered voters can cast ballots on any local questions. (https://www.psats.org/primary-voter-quickly-approaching/)
We hope this update provides valuable information for Montgomery County townships. Please check the PSATS website for more news and resources.