State lawmakers secure grant funding for Bucks County – Bucks Round-Up – December 19, 2025
State lawmakers secure grant funding for Bucks County
State lawmakers representing Bucks County are touting a new round of grant funding aimed at local infrastructure, recreation, and public safety improvements. Representative Joe Hogan (R-Langhorne) and Senator Frank Farry (R-Langhorne) announced that more than $1.9 million has been awarded to projects across their districts through Pennsylvania’s Local Share Account (LSA) program and the Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) Greenways, Trails, and Recreation grants. Among the largest awards, the Bucks County Industrial Development Authority secured a $500,000 LSA grant to begin construction of an all-abilities splash pad and athletic complex in Northampton Township. The initial phase includes sports courts, a soccer field, walking trails, a sensory-friendly playground, and related site improvements. Other LSA-funded projects include $566,640 for a new roof at the Middletown Township Municipal Center; $315,000 to revitalize Langhorne Borough’s Mayors’ Playground; $159,000 to improve pedestrian crossings near schools in Northampton Township; $142,500 to replace aging HVAC units at the Feasterville Library; and $140,860 for a water meter replacement project in Middletown and Lower Southampton townships. Separately, Penndel Borough received a $170,000 DCED grant funded through Act 13 to build a safe, accessible off-road walking path at Penndel Memorial Park. Hogan said the projects will save taxpayer dollars while expanding local recreational options, while Farry emphasized their impact on accessibility and quality of life. Representative K.C. Tomlinson (R-Bensalem) partnered with Farry to secure over $1.3 million for projects in her district. Senators Jarrett Coleman (R-Quakertown) and Steve Santarsiero (D-Doylestown) also got significant LSA sums for items in their areas in partnership with state House members representing those locales. Such projects include improvements to Robert O. Keller Park and the Levittown-Fairless Hills Rescue Squad.
Man Illegally in the country accused of rape, held on $50 million bail
Bensalem Township Police say Kevin Mendez-Ramon, 23, assaulted a woman at an apartment on Knights Road. On November 30, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., police say Kevin Mendez-Ramon texted the victim and asked whether she was free to hang out. The victim agreed to meet with Mendez-Ramon. Once at the apartment, the victim and Mendez-Ramon watched a movie, but suddenly and without warning, according to detectives, Mendez-Ramon physically got on top of the victim. While holding her down, police say, he forcibly removed her pants. They also say the victim repeatedly told Mendez-Ramon to stop and attempted to push him off of her. As the victim continued to yell at Mendez-Ramon to stop and yell “no” at him, he is said to have removed his pants and forcibly carried out a sexual assault as she attempted to push him off. Throughout the entire assault, police asserted, the victim was screaming and hoping that Mendez-Ramon’s roommates would hear her yelling. The alleged rape and assault continued unit she was finally allowed to get up by Mendez-Ramon. Afterward, Mendez-Ramon allegedly made statements to the victim that the rape sexually aroused him and that he prefers sex when it is non-consensual. On December 12, the victim and Mendez-Ramon messaged about the incident via Instagram. During this conversation, Mendez-Ramon reportedly acknowledged that he raped her, despite her yelling for him to stop and saying “no.” Mendez-Ramon apologized to the victim for his actions. He later confessed to Bensalem detectives. He was arraigned December 18 and remanded to the Bucks County Correctional Facility with bail set at ten percent of $50 million. Authorities also stated Mendez-Ramon is in the country illegally.
Bristol Borough to buy body in-car cameras for police department
Bristol Borough Council approved the purchase of new body and in-car cameras for the police department at a cost of just over $278,000 from Axon Enterprises Inc. Police Chief Joe Moors also requested that the system be purchased without one add-on. “Without the AI upgrade. The core-camera hardware will enhance transparency, evidence collection, and officer safety while avoiding additional costs, technical complexity, and potential courtroom challenges associated with AI-driven features. This approach provides the essential benefits of reliable video documentation, while keeping maintenance, training, and legal risk management for our small department.” The camera system for the Bristol Borough Police Department will be funded through a grant from the Redevelopment Authority of Bucks County. The system will be paid off in five-year installments of $55,648 per year through 2030.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490. Bradley Vasoli is the senior editor of The Independence.
