Freeman welcomes $2.65 million in state grants

HARRISBURG, March 16 – State Rep. Robert Freeman said he was pleased to see the Commonwealth Financing Authority today approve more than $2.65 million in grants for projects in his Northampton County legislative district.

“Each of these grants will have a significant impact for the municipalities and organizations that sought the funds. The best part about these projects is that they all will benefit residents in one way or another by providing community gathering spaces, enhancing recreational opportunities, making roads safer or improving emergency services,” said Freeman, D-Northampton.

Freeman said the funding was awarded through the Multimodal Transportation Fund and State Local Share Account that are administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

Local grantees include:

Easton

$377,392 for traffic calming and streetscape improvements along Wood Avenue in the West Ward neighborhood of the city. The proposed project will transform this major thoroughfare along Wood Avenue to improve the traffic flow, safety and aesthetics of the community. The improvements will include roadway repair and resurfacing, new ADA ramps, marked crosswalks, traffic calming medians and traffic signal improvements. Additionally, landscaping services to enhance the streetscape improvements will be completed. The redesigned streetscapes will enhance pedestrian safety and re-route traffic to the improved and safer intersections. Remaining intersections will be enhanced with better sightlines and traffic calming measures to ensure vehicular crossings and safe passage for pedestrians.

Freemansburg Borough

$620,600 for construction and engineering costs to build a community center. The proposed project is a 7,200-square-foot facility that would provide the community with an indoor space for events, fitness and exercise programs, walking track, weekend farmers’ market, snack stand and restroom facilities that will enhance the experience at several borough-sponsored events.
$200,000 for vehicular and pedestrian safety improvements along Main and Washington streets.

Hellertown Borough

- $396,767 for improvements at Gregory Park located at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Easton Road. The existing basketball court was constructed approximately 65 years ago and is in deteriorating condition. This project involves demolishing the existing basketball court, playground equipment, and fencing to install a half-court sized basketball play area with fencing, new playground equipment with mulching to complement the existing swing set, and an ADA path from the court to the sidewalk. Site amenities such as benches, a bike rack, recycling and trash receptacles, and street trees will also be installed.

Lower Saucon Township

$200,000 to replace the old and damaged Tot Lot B playground equipment located at the Town Hall Park. The new equipment geared for 6-to-12-year-olds will replace damaged equipment that no longer has replacement parts available for purchase. The township will purchase and install the new playground structure and purchase ADA-compliant rubber mulch and swing mats.

Palmer Township

$300,000, on behalf of the Brown & Lynch American Legion Post 9, for construction and engineering costs associated with a new pavilion building. The project includes required site work, utilities, structural, architectural, mechanical, and electrical work required to design and construct a 50-foot-by-100-foot enclosed pavilion building to be located adjacent to the existing American Legion Post 9 building on the legion property. The project will provide a needed, safe, and low-cost venue for community residents, businesses, and organizations to hold various functions.
$138,433, on behalf of Suburban EMS, to purchase a new ambulance for use in its 14 municipality coverage area in Northampton County. Suburban EMS uses funds generated from transports to provide low-cost, efficient 911 service. Due to COVID-19 and economic issues in the ambulance industry, Suburban EMS has fallen behind in replacing its aging fleet of ambulances. The acquisition of this vehicle will allow Suburban EMS to replace an older one.
$58,592, on behalf of Suburban EMS, to purchase a transit van. Part of Suburban EMS service to the community is providing non-emergency transportation to those who are wheelchair bound or have mobility issues. Suburban EMS offers paratransit vans and staff to transport customers to their medical appointments, social functions, errands, and more. Suburban EMS has seen an increased demand for these services while also operating an aging fleet.

West Easton Borough

$285,297 for the removal and repair work of two trestle bridges. The borough will demolish the failed and deteriorated Iron Street and Spring Street bridges. Asphalt, curbing and concrete sidewalk will be constructed near the existing piers to restore a consistent pavement. After this has been completed, West Easton’s section of the trail can be shared with its neighbors, which is now part of the proposed Two Rivers Greenway Trail System vision that spans 17 municipalities in Northampton County.

Wilson Borough

$76,159 to purchase a fire safety utility vehicle for borough use. Wilson has a paid fire department that needs to replace its aging emergency vehicle with a new Chevrolet 3500 4×4 truck. The current vehicle is an outdated 26-year-old vehicle in poor condition with rusted frame.

Information provided to TVL by:
Tom Andrews
House Democratic Communications Office