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Sen. Browne and Rep. Mackenzie Secure Infrastructure Funding for Alburtis and Macungie Projects
Browne, Schlossberg and Schweyer Secure Infrastructure Funding for Allentown Projects
Sen. Browne and Rep. Mackenzie Secure Infrastructure Funding for Alburtis and Macungie Projects
LEHIGH VALLEY, PA- Infrastructure projects in Alburtis and Macungie Boroughs have been awarded funding through the Multimodal Transportation Fund by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) at its meeting today (Friday, November 19), according to Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Senator Pat Browne (R-Lehigh) and Representative Ryan Mackenzie (R- Berks, Lehigh), who collaborated to secure the grants.
Alburtis Borough has been awarded $303,000 for the continuation of improvements to the Bicentennial Village neighborhood, which encompasses Lockridge Lane, Roberts Street and Second Street. Improvements will include the replacement of existing concrete sidewalks and vertical curbs, upgrades to meet current ADA standards, replacement of asphalt roadways and line restriping. Senator Browne and Representative Mackenzie had previously secured over $1,000,000 for the completion of the first two phases of this project.
“These funds mean a great deal to the Borough. We appreciate Senator Browne and Representative Mackenzie working to secure this support to make these necessary improvements,” Sharon Trexler, Alburtis Borough Manager, said.
Macungie Borough has been awarded $250,000 to begin Phase VI of their ongoing Main Street Streetscape Improvement plan. The project aims to calm traffic and improve safety while providing a pedestrian-friendly downtown corridor along this heavily traveled route. This funding will help to enhance 1,200 linear feet of streetscape enhancements on the north side of Main Street from Mountain Creek Crossing to Chestnut Street. Improvements include enhanced lighting, new greenery and accessible sidewalks. The project also incorporates stormwater management features that include storm piping along the curb, inlets, and subsurface drain outlets.
“Those of us on Council in support of the Streetscape Improvements thank Senator Pat Browne and Representative Ryan Mackenzie for this Phase 6 funding,” John Yerman, Macungie Borough Council President, said. “It will hopefully allow us to extend the improvements to Poplar St. on the northbound side of Main Street.”
Browne and Mackenzie have previously collaborated to secure state funding for Macungie’s Main Street improvements, including Multimodal funding for the completion of phases III, IV and V of the streetscape program.
“It is no secret the challenges that Boroughs like Macungie and Alburtis Boroughs face to ensure a safe and reliable infrastructure network that meets the modern needs of its residents,” Sen. Browne said. “I am pleased to have collaborated with Rep. Mackenzie to secure these funds for Alburtis and Macungie, which will serve to provide safer roads and improved access.”
“I am glad to have worked with Senator Browne to secure this funding for Alburtis and Macungie Boroughs,” Rep. Mackenzie said. “These projects will improve the quality of life for individuals living in and visiting Alburtis and Macungie. Enhancing the safety for all pedestrians moving around our community is of the utmost importance.”
Across the Commonwealth, local government budgets have struggled to accommodate the growing demands placed upon their local infrastructure networks. These issues have been compounded due to budgetary and operational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CFA was established as an independent agency of the Commonwealth to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. The CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth.
The CFA awards the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Multimodal Transportation Fund grants, which aim to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the Commonwealth.
Browne, Schlossberg and Schweyer Secure Infrastructure Funding for Allentown Projects
ALLENTOWN, PA- Two projects in the City of Allentown has been awarded funding through the Multimodal Transportation Fund by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) at its meeting today (Friday, November 19) according to Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Senator Pat Browne (R-Lehigh), Democratic Caucus Administrator Representative Mike Schlossberg (D-Lehigh) and Representative Pete Schweyer (D-Lehigh), who collaborated to secure the grant.
“These grants will provide needed dollars to improve the safety of Allentown’s roads and pave the way for a key redevelopment project within the city,” Senator Browne said. “I am proud to have worked with Rep. Schlossberg and Rep. Schweyer to secure these funds, helping to create a better transportation network resulting in the continued revitalization of the City of Allentown.”
Allentown was awarded $1,300,000 which will allow Serfass Development & Acquisitions to carryout improvements along Martin Luther King (MLK) Boulevard in the City. The funding will allow for widening of the roadway shoulders and installation of pedestrian sidewalks with curbing along MLK Boulevard and 4th Street. An existing defunct rail bridge will be removed, and replaced. The proposed improvements will decrease congestion and improve traffic circulation in anticipation of the redevelopment of the current “Incinerator Site” brownfield into an industrial park.
“When we invest in our public infrastructure, we are really investing in good paying jobs and a more livable City,” Rep. Peter Schweyer said. “These funds will directly support the renewal of a long-vacant brownfield site in downtown Allentown, eventually creating family-sustaining jobs for our residents.”
Allentown was also awarded $1,150,000 to upgrade traffic signals and systems along Hanover Street in the City. The funding will allow for upgrades to seven existing traffic signals along the Hanover Street corridor and provide connectivity to the City’s Central Traffic Signal System. The equipment upgrades include new traffic signal controllers, video detection systems, GPS emergency pre-emption and new traffic and pedestrian signal heads. The project will also include pedestrian safety improvements at the un-signalized intersection of Hanover Street and Linden Street.
“These projects will bring significant safety improvements to heavily traveled city streets and will better connect people to job opportunities throughout the community,” Rep. Mike Schlossberg said.
“The MLK and Hanover Avenue projects are of the size and scope that can’t be accomplished without funding from other sources,” said Allentown Mayor Ray O’Connell. “The funding will pay for traffic signal upgrades at seven intersections along Hanover Street from Albert Street to Wahneta Street, which include connection to the city’s central traffic control system. The MLK project includes widening the roadway shoulders and installing pedestrian sidewalks with curbing along MLK Boulevard and 4th Street. Continuing 4th Street, a new site access road with bridge and abutments will be constructed for access into an upcoming industrial site. I thank Senator Browne and Representatives Schweyer and Schlossberg for their support of these vital projects to improve motor vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian safety.”
Across the Commonwealth, local government budgets have struggled to accommodate the growing demands placed upon their local infrastructure. These issues have been compounded due to budgetary and operational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CFA was established as an independent agency of the Commonwealth to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. The CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth.
The CFA awards the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Multimodal Transportation Fund grants, which aim to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the Commonwealth.
Sen. Browne and Rep. Day Secure Infrastructure Funding for Roundabout Project in Upper Macungie Township
LEHIGH VALLEY, PA- A critical intersection project in Upper Macungie Township has been awarded funding through the Multimodal Transportation Fund by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) at its meeting today (Friday, November 19), according to Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Senator Pat Browne (R-Lehigh) and Representative Gary Day (R-Lehigh, Berks), who collaborated to secure the grant.
Upper Macungie Township was awarded $147,000 for the installation of a roundabout on Grange Road at Lenape Trail. The adjacent Grange Road Park is used for sporting activities and community events, which increase the need for safety and accessibility improvements as traffic counts continue to rise. These improvements will also help to accommodate future traffic flows stemming from the proposed Upper Macungie Township Community Center which is to be built at Grange Road Park.
The scope of work entails installation of a roundabout in place of the existing traditional intersection along with all ancillary safety devices for both motorists and pedestrians. The roundabout will specifically be designed to provide for safer access to and from the park from the surrounding developments.
“We want to say thank you to Sen. Browne and Rep. Day for their continued support of our community and for understanding the need to keep Upper Macungie a safe and healthy township,” read a statement from the Upper Macungie Board of Supervisors, Jim Brunnell, Sean Gill and Kathy Rader.
Across the Commonwealth, local government budgets have struggled to accommodate the growing demands placed upon their local infrastructure. These issues have been compounded due to budgetary and operational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am proud to support Upper Macungie’s efforts in providing innovative traffic solutions to improve the safety and accessibility of one of the Township’s most treasured parks,” Senator Pat Browne said. “A roundabout at this intersection will not only lead to a safer corridor but will also help to accommodate for the Township’s future growth.”
“With the growing traffic burden on Upper Macungie Township roadways it is important that the state continues to improve the transportation infrastructure to accommodate the needs of our growing community,” said Day. “Roundabouts have successfully dealt with traffic problems in the 187th Legislative District. I am pleased to bring state assets to the people of Upper Macungie Township to provide for mitigating delays on the roadways.”
The CFA was established as an independent agency of the Commonwealth to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. The CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth.
The CFA awards the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Multimodal Transportation Fund grants, which aim to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the Commonwealth.
Information provided to TVL by:
Matt Szuchyt
Deputy Director of Policy & Communications
Senator Pat Browne
Majority Appropriations Chairman
PA 16th Senatorial District
www.senatorbrowne.com
