The Bates Awards Program honors excellence in site planning, development practices, and the innovate use of land resources.
| 2025 | No Award Presented |
| 2024 | No Award Presented |
| 2023 | No Award Presented |
| 2022 | No Award Presented |
| 2021 | No Award Presented |
| 2020 | No Award Presented |
| 2019 | No Award Presented |
| 2018 | Chester Charter School for the Arts, Chester City Edgmont Township Community Park, Edgmont Township Clem Macrone Park Rehabilitation, Radnor Township Lansdowne Landing, Landsowne Borough |
| 2017 | East Lansdowne Memorial Park, East Lansdowne Borough Central Park, Swarthmore Borough |
| 2016 | Walgreen’s Center, Lansdowne Borough Town Center West (Inn at Swarthmore), Swarthmore Borough |
| 2015 | No Award Presented |
| 2014 | No Award Presented |
| 2013 | Louella House, Radnor Township |
| 2012 | Knowles Avenue Underpass Project, Glenolden Borough (Special Merit Award to Borough Council) |
| 2011 | Founders Hall/Widener University, Chester City Edgmont Township, Leadership in Alternative Energy Policy |
| 2010 | Health Center Four/Rothman Institute, Middletown Township PPL Park Sports Stadium, Chester City |
| 2009 | SAP America, Inc., Newtown Township University Crossing, Chester City |
| 2008 | No Award Presented |
| 2007 | The McKee Group, Foxfield, Bethel Township Harrah's Chester Casino & Race Track, Chester City |
| 2006 | No Award Presented |
| 2005 | DeLuca Homes, Creekside Village, Upper Chichester Township |
| 2004 | No Award Presented |
| 2003 | No Award Presented |
| 2002 | No Award Presented |
| 2001 | No Award Presented |
| 2000 | No Award Presented |
| 1999 | SAP America, Inc., Newtown Township Chestnut Ridge, Chester City William Penn Homes, Chester City |
| 1998 | No Award Presented |
| 1997 | No Award Presented |
| 1996 | Jefferies Square, Chester City Home Depot Plaza, Upper Darby Township |
| 1995 | Riddle Village, Middletown Township Garnet Oaks, Bethel Township |
| 1994 | No Award Presented |
| 1993 | No Award Presented |
| 1992 | No Award Presented |
| 1991 | PennDOT, The Blue Route |
| 1990 | Mallard Mill Run, Nether Providence Township |
| 1989 | The Birches, Radnor Township |
| 1988 | Market Square Memorial Park, Marcus Hook Borough |
| 1987 | No Award Presented |
| 1986 | No Award Presented |
| 1985 | No Award Presented |
| 1984 | Radnor Corporate Center, Radnor Township Woodlot, Parkside Borough |
| 1983 | Runnymeade Farms, for execution of the plan, Edgmont Township The Watkins Avenue Multi-Purpose Recreational Center, Upper Darby Township The Chesley Office Campus, Nether Providence Township Ravenscliff, Radnor & Newtown Townships |
| 1982 | Runnymeade Farms, for site design, Edgmont Township Toft Woods, Upper Providence Township Arco Research Center, Newtown Township |
The 1724 Chester Courthouse was once the Courthouse for Chester and Delaware Counties and City Hall for Chester. Since the 1920s it has been open as a historic site. It is now owned by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) and leased by Delaware County. It is the oldest building in continuous public use in the country. Both PHMC and Delaware County are rehabilitating the building in anticipation of America250 in 2026. Follow the progress here.
LATEST NEWS
- The Courthouse will be open for the Reading of the Declaration on July 8, 2026 at 1 pm. All are welcome to see the completed rehabilitation of the Courthouse.
- BSS Construction has been selected to undertake the construction of the rehabilitation of the Courthouse. It is expected to be completed by the end of July 2026.
- On December 12, 2024 at 11 am, there was a Lafayette Trail Marker Dedication and a short celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Courthouse. It was held at the park opposite Chester City Hall at the corner of 4th Street and Avenue of the States, moving inside the Courthouse for the anniversary celebration. Watch the Lafayette Marker Dedication Ceremony and 300th Anniversary Celebration here and see photos here.
- On October 5, 2024, the County hosted Lafayette Day in Chester with boarded up windows but new LED lighting so the interior of the courtroom was not dark. See photos and learn more about the event here.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
In 2021, PHMC signed a lease agreement with Delaware County for the County to take over the programming and maintenance at the Courthouse. As part of the agreement, PHMC will be doing the following improvements:
- Repair/repaint first floor windows, doors, and shutters
- Repair/replace first floor HVAC system
- Upgrade first floor lights
- Repair roof leaks and seal roof to last longer
- Selective first floor interior painting/plastering
In 2023, Delaware County was awarded a National Park Service Grant for the Rehabilitation of the Courthouse. See press release here.
The grant covers the following improvements:
- Exterior stone repairs/ repointing
- Repair/repaint cupola and second floor windows, shutters, eaves
- Upgrade electric, fire, alarm systems
- Repair plumbing/electric on second floor
- Refinish wood floors
- Interior painting/plastering on both floors
The County hired J&M Preservation to undertake the drawings, specifications, and construction management for the NPS grant project. They have regular meetings with Delaware County and PHMC staff about the project and coordination. The construction projects covered by the NPS grant have will be completed by July 2026.
Some of the work covered by PHMC has been completed or are underway, and progress can be seen by visitors:
| Completed | In Progress - expected 2026 |
|---|---|
| Repair/repaint first floor shutters | Repair first floor HVAC |
| Repair first floor doors | Selective interior painting/plastering |
| Upgrade first floor lights | Repaint first floor doors |
| Repair roof leaks | |
| Repair/repaint first floor windows | |
| Seal roof | |
| Install first floor storm windows |
Keep checking back here for more progress about both projects.
PUBLIC USE OF THE COURTHOUSE
The Courthouse has the honor of being the oldest public building in continuous public use in the country. Apart from a few years in the 1780s between when Chester County moved the courthouse to West Chester and Delaware County was established, it has been in public ownership and use. While these construction projects are underway, public access is limited to a few times a year. Law Day, hosted by the Delaware County Bar Association, is on the first Friday in May each year. The Chester Historical Preservation Committee and Friends of the 1724 Chester Courthouse host the Reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8 each year in honor of when it was read at the Courthouse on July 8, 1776. 2024 marks the 300th anniversary of the Courthouse, but because there is no heat and no running water to the building, a small celebration was held on December 12, 2024. Watch the video here. The Delaware County Bar Association’s Law Day was held on May 1, 2026.
The Delaware County Planning Department is hoping for public input for programming at the Courthouse after the construction is completed in 2026. The first floor is a courtroom which can hold audiences for mock trials, speeches, lectures, small performances, etc. The second floor has two restrooms (not ADA accessible), a room for meetings, and a large room (former Grand Jury Room). This can be used as a museum for Chester and/or the Courthouse, a larger meeting room, or anything else. Delaware County Parks and Recreation will manage rental permits for the building (free/low cost for community groups and non-profits to have meetings/programs) in 2026 and beyond. Let us know what you think here.
Questions about the 1724 Chester Courthouse? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
To celebrate General Lafayette’s return to Chester during his bicentennial tour, Delaware County hosted an event at the 1724 Chester Courthouse and the Avenue of the States.
Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette, Marquis de La Fayette was a French nobleman who volunteered to join the Continental Army under General Washington. On September 11, 1777, the Battle of Brandywine was fought on the fields of the Brandywine Valley at Chadds Ford, now in Chester and Delaware Counties. Although it was an American loss, the strategic retreat allowed General Washington to warn Congress of the British march on Philadelphia later that month. Lafayette was wounded in the leg on the field of battle, but he was able to retreat to Chester and prevent the British from entering the town. His wound was dressed in Chester and thus started his long-time connection to the town. Spilling his blood on American soil solidified his status as a hero. In 1824, Lafayette was invited by President James Monroe, who he had fought with during the Revolutionary War, to come visit the United States. He visited Chester on the night of October 5, 1824, arriving by boat from Philadelphia. He was greeted by the townspeople who lined the street from the docks with tall candles. He went to the place where his wound was dressed (location unconfirmed) and had dinner at 1 am in the Grand Jury Room of the Courthouse.
200 years later, the American Friends of Lafayette have organized a committee to commemorate this Farewell Tour of Lafayette to recreate his journey throughout the 13 months and 24 states he visited. More information about the Bicentennial tour is at lafayatte200.org.
On October 5, 2024, the Delaware County Planning Department, in partnership with other County departments, the City of Chester, American Friends of Lafayette, America250PADelco, and historical organizations, held an event to commemorate Lafayette’s return to Chester. He was greeted by visitors holding large ‘candles’, like they did in 1824, and several speeches were held in the Courthouse in his honor. Historical groups and vendors were along the street for the visitors to learn more about them or to purchase Lafayette-related memorabilia. County Council member Richard Womack, Chester City Mayor Stefan Roots, and other special guests were in attendance.
Questions about the 1724 Chester Courthouse? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
The Planning Department can assist in identifying zoning and regulatory information about specific parcels in Delaware County.
Most municipalities have zoning maps and district regulations on their individual websites or can provide copies to the public. Municipal officials will have the most current zoning information for their residents.
However, The Delaware County Data & Mapping Innovation Office provides the Delaware County Municipal Zoning application, an interactive map that provides zoning data from all 49 of its municipalities. It should be noted, overlay zoning districts must be turned on under the layers section to be viewed on the map. Lastly, documents may become outdated, as stated by the disclaimer page, it is always recommended to check with municipal officials.
Delaware County Planning Department provides the Delaware County Municipal Dashboard, which includes links to Municipal Plans, Zoning Ordinances, and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances, as well as a brief overview of the municipality.
If you need to ensure you have the most recently adopted ordinance, we recommend you contact the municipality.
The Delaware County Real Estate Parcels & Tax Records System and Homestead Status is a great resource for finding a site’s owner, building information, and folio and map numbers.
Need assistance finding your parcel’s regulatory information? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
Provider
Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST)
Application Deadline
October 28, 2026
Summary
PENNVEST is a financing authority that provides low-cost financial assistance to address water, wastewater, stormwater, and non-point source pollution problems that impact public health, safety, the environment, regulatory compliance, and economic development.
PENNVEST focuses on two goals for the betterment of the Commonwealth - ensuring all Pennsylvanians have access to clean water and supporting the Commonwealth's economic development. PENNVEST's low-cost financial assistance helps to make the water, consumed daily by thousands of Pennsylvanians, safe to drink. This funding is also a key component in the Commonwealth's efforts to purify rivers and streams, protecting the health of our citizens and natural resources. The projects funded by PENNVEST induce businesses to locate and expand their operations in Pennsylvania to create permanent, lucrative jobs for our workers
Common Eligible Projects
Projects eligible for funding include:
- Drinking water infrastructure
- Wastewater infrastructure
- Stormwater infrastructure
- Lead service line replacement
- Emerging contaminants/PFAS/PFOA remediation (Waste and Drinking Water)
- Agricultural Best Management Practices
- Green infrastructure
- Estuary revitalization
- Acid mine remediation
- Brownfield and Grayfield redevelopment
- Homeowner sewage
More Information
Provider
Federal Highway Administration
Application Deadline
October 9, 2026
Summary
The intent of the PROTECT Competitive Grant Program is to fund projects to improve the resilience of the surface transportation system, including highways, public transportation, ports, and intercity passenger rail. Program goals include protecting: surface transportation assets by making them more resilient; communities through resilience improvements and strategies that allow for the continued operation or rapid recovery of surface transportation systems; coastal infrastructure; and natural infrastructure that protects and enhances surface transportation assets. See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the complete list of eligible applicants.
There is no minimum or maximum award amount for PROTECT Competitive Grant awards. While the Department reserves the right to make smaller or larger awards, based on the FY22-23 NOFO, the anticipated award range for Resilience Improvement, Community Resilience and Evacuation Route Grants, and At-Risk Costal Infrastructure Grants, the anticipated award range is $500,000 to $60,000,000. For Planning Grants, the anticipated award range is $100,000 to $10,000,000.
Common Eligible Projects
Eligible activities are different for each of the four types of grants under the PROTECT Competitive Grant Program: Planning, Resilience Improvement, Community Resilience and Evacuation Route, and At-Risk Coastal Infrastructure. For eligible activities within these project categories, please consult the Notice of Funding Opportunity.
A PROTECT Competitive Grant may be awarded only for the following facilities:
- A highway* project eligible for assistance under Title 23;
- A public transportation facility or service eligible for assistance under Chapter 53 of Title 49;
- A facility or service for intercity rail passenger transportation (as defined in Section 24102 of Title 49); or
- A port facility, including a facility that:
- Connects a port to other modes of transportation;
- Improves the efficiency of evacuations and disaster relief; or
- Aids transportation. (23 U.S.C. § 176(d)(5)(C)).
*The term “highway” includes a road, street, and parkway; a right-of-way, bridge, railroad-highway crossing, tunnel, drainage structure including public roads on dams, sign, guardrail, and protective structure, in connection with a highway; and a portion of any interstate or international bridge or tunnel and the approaches thereto, the cost of which is assumed by a State transportation department, including such facilities as may be required by the U.S. Customs and Immigration Services in connection with the operation of an international bridge or tunnel. 23 U.S.C. § 101(a)(11).
More Information
https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/b5627a85-1b8b-4248-8b79-24722a396422
Provider
Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds (FPW)
Application Deadline
Letters of Intent: September 18, 2026
Full Proposals, if accepted: October 16, 2026
Summary
The grant-making program of the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds (FPW) supports local efforts toward the protection and restoration of Pennsylvania’s water resources. It focuses on both protecting pristine waterways and rehabilitating those that are highly polluted. By offering private matching grant funds, the program aims to assist both small and large conservation groups through most of the Commonwealth. The grants target the enhancement of water quality and the conservation of water resources for the benefit of children, families and wildlife in the future, embodying the Foundation’s commitment to securing clean and healthy water resources for future generations.
Requirements
- FPW awards grants to nonprofit organizations and government entities such as conservation districts. FPW will verify tax exempt status.
- FPW’s funding is available for projects within Pennsylvania. However, some restrictions may apply each grant cycle, making some funds only available for certain regions.
- Application must demonstrate some match (cash or in kind)
- Final reporting is mandatory for all grants
FPW conservation grant award amounts average $20,000. We typically award 15-30 grants per cycle.
Common Eligible Projects
Grantmaking Goals:
- Improve water quality and aquatic habitat in impaired watersheds.
- Strengthen community capacity for long-term watershed stewardship.
- Advance land conservation strategies that protect critical headwaters.
- Increase public access on streams as they rebound.
- Build organizational capacity to leverage available federal and state resources for increased conservation impact.
Funding Priorities:
- On-the-ground restoration/conservation projects that demonstrate measurable impact on water quality.
- Projects that leverage additional funding or involve strong collaboration.
- Applications that demonstrate increased or improved public access to recreational water resources.
More Information
Provider
US Department of Housing and Urban Development, via PA DCED
Application Deadline
September 11, 2026
Summary
The Pennsylvania HOME Program is a federally funded program that provides municipalities with grant and loan assistance to expand and preserve the supply of decent and affordable housing for low- and very low-income Pennsylvanians. HOME funds can be used in a variety of ways to address critical housing needs in the Commonwealth, including market-oriented approaches that offer opportunities such as homeownership or rental activities to revitalize communities with new investment. HOME Program funds are provided to DCED from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the annual entitlement appropriation process.
Eligible applicants for HOME funds are units of local government, including cities, towns, counties, boroughs and townships. Non-profit organizations, community development or community housing development organizations may not apply directly to DCED for HOME funding, however an eligible HOME applicant may apply for funding on behalf of the non-profit organization or developer.
Common Eligible Projects
DCED’s HOME program will prioritize awards to applicants focused on the following activities:
- Creation or preservation of affordable rental housing (new construction and/or rehabilitation)
- Acquisition of existing single-family housing, with or without housing rehabilitation and/or down payment assistance, for sale to first-time homebuyers
- Rehabilitation of existing owner-occupied housing
- Single-family homeownership through new construction
More Information
Provider
US Fish and Wildlife Service
Application Deadline
September 30, 2026
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW) Program helps private landowners restore and protect habitats for fish and wildlife. It offers both technical assistance and financial support, mainly through cooperative agreements. The PFW Program has approximately 220 staff working in all 50 states and territories. They work together with project partners and stakeholders to find key areas for conservation and set habitat goals. These focus areas guide the program on where to direct resources for conserving important habitats for federal trust species. The Program also has strategic plans that help determine which projects receive funding.
To get funding, PFW projects must be on private lands. "Private lands" means any properties not owned by the state or federal government. This includes tribal lands, Hawaiian homelands, cities, municipalities, non-governmental properties, and private properties. Groups with 501(c)(3) status should have proof of their status from the Internal Revenue Service. Tribal applicants may be required to provide an authorizing tribal resolution.
The Program seeks projects year-round. Program staff work with applicants to find common conservation goals. US Fish and Wildlife require that all interested applicants contact their local PFW staff before submitting an application.
Common Eligible Projects
The goal of the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program is to engage private landowners in voluntary habitat restoration projects that benefit federal trust species, including migratory birds, threatened and endangered species, and at-risk fish and wildlife. These efforts also contribute to maintaining and restoring habitat connectivity that supports species movement and long-term conservation. Strategic habitat conservation plans are used to identify priority species and habitats in each state or region.
The program supports on-the-ground conservation projects by restoring wetlands, streams, grasslands, and other essential habitats on private lands, helping to improve ecosystem health, biodiversity, and landscape resilience while maintaining agricultural productivity and landowner operations. These projects also help link habitat patches that are important to wildlife and complementary to conservation on National Wildlife Refuges and other protected lands.
Program biologists collaborate with landowners to identify restoration opportunities, develop practical project plans, and implement habitat improvements rooted in sound science. Strategic habitat conservation plans are used to identify priority species and habitats in each state or region. To learn more about priority species, focal landscapes, and partnership opportunities in your area, contact your local Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program office through US Fish and Wildlife’s website.
Each Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program project is guided by an approved agreement that outlines goals, expected outcomes, and specific activities. These agreements also describe the project budget and the terms under which funding is provided. Project success is evaluated based on progress toward the goals established in the agreement.
Certain project costs are not allowed and include land acquisition, foreign travel, pre-award costs, unauthorized equipment, and indirect costs above the negotiated rate.
More Information
https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/213b091b-76cd-4987-ad5f-beeaf8939fc7
Provider
US Fish and Wildlife Service
Application Deadline
September 30, 2026
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Coastal Program provides technical and financial assistance to partners to support projects that protect and restore fish and wildlife habitats on public and private lands in priority coastal ecosystems. This support is provided through cooperative agreements with conservation partners and landowners, including state and Tribal agencies. Coastal Program staff work with partners, stakeholders, and other Service programs in important areas for conservation. They implement regional strategic plans that identify priority species and habitats for conservation in these focus areas.
Applicants seeking technical or financial assistance from the Coastal Program are required to contact a local Program office BEFORE developing or submitting an application. You can find this information in the current strategic plan at this link or by contacting your local Coastal Program office at https://www.fws.gov/program/coastal/contact-us.
Projects are developed collaboratively by partners and Service field staff. All Coastal Program projects must align with the missions of the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Coastal Program. They are also based on sound biological principles and the best available science.
Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, city or township governments, special district governments, independent school districts, public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized or otherwise), public housing authorities, nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status), private institutions of higher education, individuals, for profit organizations other than small businesses, small businesses.
Common Eligible Projects
The Coastal Program focuses on projects that provide measurable and lasting benefits to coastal habitats and communities. Eligible projects typically improve ecological function, enhance habitat resilience, and support species of conservation concern while fostering strong, voluntary partnerships at the local level.
The Coastal Program reserves the right to reject projects that do not align with the regional strategic implementation plans or program priorities. We do not support projects that generate compensatory mitigation credits under a Federal or state regulatory program or accept mitigation or in-lieu funds as non-Federal cost share for a project. The Coastal Program does not fund land acquisition, although it can support title searches and real estate appraisals. US Fish and Wildlife require that all interested applicants contact their local Coastal Program office before submitting an application.