ALLENTOWN, March 16 – State Reps. Peter Schweyer, Mike Schlossberg and Josh Siegel, and Sen. Nick Miller today announced nine area projects in their districts were awarded state funding totaling $2.56 million through the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

“People in Lehigh County expect their elected officials to work together to make public safety a priority. Each of these awards will help to make life in our region safer. I am proud to work with my colleagues to make these projects possible and make our communities safer,” said Majority Caucus Chair Mike Schlossberg.

“This funding will provide significant improvements to several aspects of our infrastructure, roads and water works, green spaces and public safety in Allentown and surrounding communities,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “I am proud to have worked with my fellow Lehigh County legislators and Senator Nick Miller on securing these funds which will have a positive impact on our residents.”

“Many of these improvements will lead to improved foot, bicycle and transportation through the city, as well as providing critical support for first responders,” said Siegel, D-Lehigh.  “Investments like these improve our roads and trails, boost our local economy and create jobs.”

“I’m happy to see the state make substantial investments in our shared communities and fund projects that will directly impact our neighborhoods,” said Miller, D-Lehigh. “These investments in local infrastructure, public safety and resources will support the long-term sustainability and functionality of our communities.”

According to the legislators, $2.21 million was awarded locally through the CFA Local Share Account:

• Allentown Fire Department – $779,228 for the department to purchase a new fire truck.
• Museum of Indian Culture – $569,000 for Phase 2 of the Lenape Village Park and Trail.
• Lehigh County Authority – $200,000 to rehabilitate manholes along the Western Lehigh Interceptor.
• Allentown Commercial and Industrial Development Authority – $114,400 for security and access upgrades at Bridgeworks Enterprise Center.

• Upper Macungie Township Community Center – $250,000 for installing new gym floors.
• South Whitehall Township Public Works – $151,815 for the purchase of a cab tractor and attachments for assisting PennDOT with roadside mowing projects. Also, $25,500 was awarded to South Whitehall Township to replace a water leak correlator.
• Salisbury Township Police Department – $120,518 to update police vehicles with cameras, a body camera transfer station and other safety and police technology upgrades.

An additional $350,000 was awarded locally through the CFA Multimodal Transportation Fund:

• City of Allentown – $350,000 to make improvements to street lights on Martin Luther King Drive.

The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth.

Under Pennsylvania’s 2004 Gaming Act, the CFA developed program guidelines for Local Share Account funds for projects concerning the public interest, community improvement and economic development. The LSA receives gaming money generated by casinos.

The CFA is an independent state agency responsible for administering Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus programs. More information about its programs is available here.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Thomas LeClair
House Democratic Communications Office

 

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