When Bensalem Township secured $4 million in federal funding for a new fire station on Byberry Road, the money came through a federal process known as Community Project Funding (CPF).
But what exactly is Community Project Funding — and how does it work?
Here’s what Bensalem residents should know.
What Is Community Project Funding?
Community Project Funding is a federal budget mechanism that allows members of Congress to request funding for specific projects within their districts.
These projects are typically:
- Public safety upgrades
- Infrastructure improvements
- Water and sewer projects
- Community health facilities
- Transportation improvements
Unlike large federal programs that distribute funds through agencies, CPF allows lawmakers to advocate directly for local needs and request that funding be written into federal appropriations bills.
How Does the Process Work?
The process generally follows these steps:
1️⃣ Local Need Identified
Township officials, school districts, or local agencies identify a funding need.
2️⃣ Congressional Request
A member of Congress submits the project request during the federal appropriations process.
3️⃣ Public Disclosure
Each requested project must be publicly listed and certified as serving a legitimate community purpose.
4️⃣ Inclusion in Federal Spending Bill
If approved, the funding is included in a federal appropriations package.
5️⃣ Legal Authorization
Once the bill passes Congress and is signed into law, the funding becomes legally binding.
In Bensalem’s case, the $4 million fire station allocation was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, under its explanatory statement, which carries the same legal authority as the bill text.
Who Secured the Funding for Bensalem?
The Bensalem fire station funding was requested through the office of Brian Fitzpatrick, who represents Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District.
Members of Congress from both parties routinely submit Community Project Funding requests for infrastructure and public safety projects in their districts.
Why CPF Funding Is Often Used for Public Safety
Emergency services infrastructure — such as fire stations, EMS facilities, and police technology — frequently qualifies for CPF funding because:
- Facilities are expensive to modernize
- Local governments often face budget constraints
- Public safety upgrades have a clear community-wide impact
In Bensalem’s case, the funding will support the consolidation and construction of a modern fire station at 2400 Byberry Road, aimed at improving response times and updating aging facilities.
(You can link that sentence back to your primary fire station article.)
Is Community Project Funding the Same as “Earmarks”?
CPF is sometimes described as a modern, reformed version of what were historically known as congressional earmarks.
However, today’s process includes:
- Public disclosure requirements
- Certification that no financial interest exists
- Strict eligibility guidelines
- Transparency reporting
The program was reinstated in 2021 with added oversight requirements.
Why This Matters for Bensalem Residents
Community Project Funding allows federal dollars to be directed toward specific local priorities instead of broad statewide formulas.
For residents, that means:
- Projects can move forward faster
- Infrastructure gaps can be addressed directly
- Federal tax dollars return to the community in visible ways
In the case of the new fire station, the funding provides a significant boost toward modernizing emergency services infrastructure in Bensalem Township.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Community Project Funding?
A: A federal process allowing members of Congress to request funding for specific projects in their districts.
Q: Is Community Project Funding competitive?
A: Yes. Lawmakers submit many requests, and only a portion are included in the final spending bills.
Q: Does the township have to match the funding?
A: That depends on the project and federal guidelines. Matching requirements vary.
Q: Is the funding already approved?
A: Yes. Once included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act and passed by Congress, the allocation is legally binding.
