In an effort to help ensure that Temple University’s facilities continue to be up to code and fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), senators Christine M. Tartaglione (D-02) and Pat Browne (R-16) have secured $2 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funds for the university. The funds will be used to make various infrastructure and ADA-related improvements around campus.

“We are grateful to senators Browne and Tartaglione for their efforts in obtaining this funding for Temple University,” said Dr. Jason Wingard, president of the university. “Inclusivity is a key part of our institutional mission, and this support will allow us to make upgrades that ensure the accessibility of our campus—one that is better equipped to serve all students.”

As part of the project, various buildings on Temple’s main campus will undergo renovations related to life safety, code and ADA-related improvements. Specifically, the scope of the project includes upgrades to public areas, including entrance lobbies, common spaces, corridors, elevator lobbies and restrooms.

“Making sure students, community members and staff have safe and accessible facilities across Temple’s campus is a priority that I am proud to continue to advocate for,” said Senator Tartaglione. “For more than 19 years, I have experienced, first-hand, the challenges that come with the lack of accessibility that faces the disabled community. I am proud to have advocated for funds that address and ensure accessibility for all.”

The restroom renovations will include the demolition of concrete and masonry walls, reconfiguration and replacement of all plumbing fixtures to meet accessibility requirements and the installation of new energy efficient lighting, doors, toilet partitions, floor, wall and ceiling finishes. The common space improvements will include upgrades to building entrances, corridors, elevator lobbies, as well as new ceilings, energy efficient lighting and finishes.

“Temple University has a long and proud history of delivering quality education to students from all over the Commonwealth,” Senate Appropriations Chairman Browne said. “I am proud to work with Senator Tartaglione to help further their mission by providing funding for these critical facilities and building improvements.”

The RACP is a Commonwealth reimbursement grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Office of Budget. It provides financial assistance for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic and historical improvement projects.

RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues or other measures of economic activity.