Narberth approves grant application for Elm Grove Park pedestrian bridge (seeks up to $250,000)

Narberth Borough Council on Feb. 19 authorized staff to submit a Montco 2040 grant application for an Elm Grove Park pedestrian bridge and associated site work, including demolition, a new bridge, streambank restoration and a stormwater management feature at the end of Elm Grove.

Borough staff described the project as a four‑part effort that aims to improve water‑quality and stormwater control at the east branch of Indian Creek. The Montco 2040 grant has a maximum award of $250,000; staff estimated the total project cost at roughly $465,000 and said the application requires the borough to commit a minimum 20% match. The borough has budgeted $200,000 across 2026 and 2027 for capital toward the project.

Staff said Narberth is also pursuing a $100,000 DCNR grant (later cycle) and plans to apply to the county conservation district’s low‑volume roads funding for the stormwater management portion (staff estimated the stormwater component at about $65,000). If Montco 2040 and DCNR awards are both received, staff estimated the borough’s out‑of‑pocket cost at approximately $115,000; receipt of the low‑volume roads grant could reduce that further.

Council discussion focused on the grant strategy and on verifying the borough’s match and budget allocations; staff confirmed the funding resolution is intended to show council’s commitment to the minimum match required for the Montco application. The council voted to approve the funding resolution unanimously.

Next steps: staff will submit the Montco 2040 application on the borough’s behalf and continue to pursue supplementary funding from DCNR and the county conservation district to lower the borough’s share of the cost.