Bethlehem, June 10, 2022 – – State Senator Lisa Boscola today announced state funding totaling $564,562 for projects in the Slate Belt region of Northampton County through the Local Share Account – Northampton and Lehigh Counties and the Local Share Account-Monroe County.

“The Slate Belt has long been underfunded for important community development projects that will improve the quality of life,” Boscola stated.  “I am pleased to have secured a half a million dollars for five priority projects for Slate Belt communities.  Specifically, improving parks and public pools has been important to me because they give families low cost activities to enjoy close to home,” Boscola continued.

“Through the approval of these state funds, communities will be able to expedite important projects that will improve the quality of life and increase community safety,” Boscola said.  “The local share account funds coming to important community projects throughout the Lehigh Valley demonstrate the positive impact we have seen through the state gaming act,” Boscola added.

Boscola said she was pleased to work with her colleagues in the Lehigh Valley legislative delegation to secure the state funds, approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), for investment in the following projects:

• Bangor Memorial Park Pool Splash Pad ($200,000) applied for by the Borough of Bangor;
• Renovation of A Clean Slate, a community center in the Borough of Bangor ($112,068) applied for by Northampton County;
• Weona Park Playground Phase I ($147,784) applied for the Borough of Pen Argyl;
• Public Works Vehicle Purchase ($72,210) applied for by Stockertown Borough;
• Milling Machine Purchase to Aid in Maintenance of Roads ($32,500) applied for by Tatamy Borough.

“Bangor Borough is thankful for the continued support of our state legislators as we work together to invest in and revitalize our community for residents, business owners, and visitors alike,” said James Kresge, Bangor Borough Council President.  “This funding allows us to enhance Bangor Memorial Park’s pool facility with a splash pad, offering an interactive water experience for users of all ages and abilities and serving as a regional attraction for generations to come.”

“In Northampton County, we’re determined not to leave anyone behind. The Clean Slate Center provides Recovery services to residents in a rural area who often struggle to access support,” stated Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure. “We’re very grateful to State Senator Lisa Boscola and the Commonwealth Financing Authority for their help in procuring this grant. County residents seeking help with their addiction can call 610-829-HELP (4357) for information.”

“Weona Park is the social hub of the Borough and an integral tourism attraction in the Lehigh Valley, Slate Belt Region” said Joseph LeDonne, President of Pen Argyl Borough Council.  “After completing its Weona Park Master Site Plan in 2019, Pen Argyl Borough has been moving forward with the plan’s recommendations and priorities.  This funding will allow us to replace an outdated play structure with a modern, safe play system with ADA compliant features.  The Borough is grateful for these grant opportunities and thanks Senator Boscola for the support they provide to our area.”

Additional grants were also approved by the CFA today:

• Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation ($399,999) for the Bethlehem Steel SGO Building Annex Plaza;
• Bethlehem Township awarded grants for 2 police vehicles ($63,771) and water rescue equipment ($33,585);
• Catasauqua Borough ($30,600) for a Community Pool Study;
• Coplay Borough ($30,774) for Saylor Park rehabilitation;
• Emmaus Borough ($25,458) for South 2^nd St reconstruction project;
• Freemansburg Borough ($184,801) for The Sound of Community and Economic Development;
• Hellertown Borough ($117,457) for the purchase of police vehicles and equipment;
• Northampton Borough ($101,400) for a garage door replacement at a fire station;
• Tatamy Borough ($31,308) for Municipal Building repairs;
• West Easton Borough ($155,100) for removal of two trestle bridges;
• Whitehall Township ($76,375) for the Mickley Prydun Farm Restoration project; and,
• Wilson Borough ($100,000) to assist with the construction of new pool complex.

Total funding for all projects equal $1,915,190.  The Local Share Accounts (LSA) were established by the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act. The funds are generated by the state’s gaming facilities and may be used for economic development, community development and public interest projects in Northampton, Lehigh and Monroe County and its contiguous counties.

The grants were approved today by the state Commonwealth Financing Authority Board in Harrisburg.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Kurt J. Derr
Office of Senator Lisa Boscola
One East Broad Street, Suite 120
Bethlehem, PA 18018

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