Sen. Browne along with Representatives Mackenzie, Simmons, and Mako Secure Critical Infrastructure Funding for Several Lehigh Valley Boroughs

Alburtis, Coopersburg, Macungie, and Slatington boroughs have been awarded critical infrastructure funding…

Sen. Browne and Rep. Mackenzie Secure Critical Infrastructure Funding for Alburtis and Macungie Boroughs

Lehigh County, PA – Alburtis and Macungie Boroughs have been awarded Small Water and Sewer grants by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) at its meeting today (Monday, August 17), according to Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Pat Browne (R-Lehigh) and Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh, Berks), who collaborated to secure these grants.

Alburtis Borough will receive $423,130 for inspection, cleaning and rehabilitation of existing residential sanitary sewer laterals. Additionally, the borough will receive $204,680 for improvements to the stormwater drainage systems in the Chestnut Street neighborhood. Current drainage and runoff issues on Chestnut Street have caused property damage and safety concerns.

“I want to thank Sen. Pat Browne and Rep. Ryan Mackenzie for once again looking out for the small municipalities,” said Sharon Trexler, Alburtis Borough Manager. “With a very small commercial district, we would otherwise have to depend on our tax paying residents to perform this much needed work to our storm and sewer systems.”

Macungie Borough will receive $155,340 for rehabilitation and improvements to South Church Street’s water system, including new piping.

“Macungie Borough is very grateful to be the recipient of this water grant,” said Robert Glisson, Macungie Borough Manager. “These funds will replace an almost 100-year-old leaded water service piping in an area of low- to moderate-income homes with new copper pipes as part of our continuing endeavors to improve our water system.”

Across the Commonwealth, local government budgets have struggled to accommodate the growing demands placed upon their aging water and sewer infrastructure. These issues have been compounded due to budgetary and operational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Like most local governments, Macungie and Alburtis Boroughs have pressing infrastructure needs which directly impact their resident’s property and quality of life,” Senator Browne said. “These funds will go a long way in ensuring that these needs are met and that the borough can continue to provide its residents with safe and reliable water and sewer systems.”

“This funding will enable the Borough of Alburtis to mitigate infrastructure problems around the intersection of Chestnut Circle West and Windsor Road that are currently causing stormwater runoff to bypass the existing stormwater management system and cause drainage problems, property damage and icing conditions on the roadway during the colder months,” Rep. Mackenzie said.

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)’s Small Water and Sewer program provides grants to municipalities and municipal authorities for the construction, improvement, expansion, rehabilitation or repair of small water supply or sanitary sewer systems.

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.

Sen. Browne and Rep. Simmons Secure Critical Infrastructure Funding for Coopersburg Borough

Coopersburg Borough has been awarded a Small Water and Sewer grant by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) at its meeting today (Monday, August 17), according to Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Pat Browne (R-Lehigh) and Rep. Justin Simmons (R-Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton), who collaborated to secure this grant.

Coopersburg Borough’s Authority will receive $86,718 to rehabilitate their above ground water reservoir. The rehabilitation will include replacement of roof vents, application of a protective exterior tank coating, reworking overflow pipes, installing an exterior ladder and posting signage on the tank’s exterior.

“The Municipal Authority of the Borough of Coopersburg would like to thank the Commonwealth Financing Authority, and especially thank Senator Browne and Representative Simmons for their support of this grant to rehabilitate our water storage tank,” said Tim Paashaus, Coopersburg Manager. “This important project will help the authority to provide safe, reliable water service to the residents of Coopersburg for years to come.”

“Rep. Simmons and I recognize the challenges that Coopersburg has in maintaining their exceptional water and sewer infrastructure,” Senator Browne said. “These funds will go a long way in ensuring that Coopersburg Borough can meet the challenges and demands that they face in their growing region.”

“Through working with Sen. Browne, I am pleased to announce that we have secured a $86,718.00 grant to help the Coopersburg Authority rehabilitate its Above Ground Reservoir project. Through our collaborative efforts, the Coopersburg Authority will continue to provide clean water for all,” Rep. Simmons said.

Sen. Browne and the Office of Rep. Mako Secure Critical Infrastructure Funding for Slatington Borough

Slatington Borough has been awarded a Small Water and Sewer grant by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) at its meeting today (Monday, August 17), according to Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Pat Browne (R-Lehigh) and the Office of Rep. Zach Mako (R-Lehigh, Northampton), who collaborated to secure this grant.

Slatington Borough will receive $114,750 to continue their upgrades of the Slatington Wastewater Treatment plant. The funds will be used to replace of the plant’s digester lid, which is integral in the plant’s proper function.

“The Borough of Slatington would like to thank Senator Browne and Representative Mako’s Office for securing funding for our continuing upgrades at the Slatington Wastewater Treatment Plant,” said Dan Stevens, Slatington Borough Manager. “This PA Small Water and Sewer Grant will allow us to remove the old digester lid and continue our ongoing efforts to improve operations. The support of the State of Pennsylvania is vital to small communities such as Slatington, and we thank them for their support.”

“Rep. Mako and I understand the needs of Pennsylvania’s local governments and the challenges they face in upgrading and replacing old and obsolete wastewater infrastructure,” Senator Browne said. “By securing these funds, Slatington Borough can continue to provide safe and efficient wastewater services to its residents by making critically needed investments at its treatment plant.”

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