Bethlehem May 16, 2023 − State Senator Lisa Boscola today announced state funding totaling $2,643,353 for projects in the 18th Senatorial District through the Local Share Account – Northampton and Lehigh Counties and the Local Share Account-Monroe County.

“Communities throughout the 18th District are deserving of state grants for these important community development projects that will improve the quality of life of throughout Northampton County,” Boscola stated.  “I am pleased to have worked together with the Lehigh Valley Delegation in a bi-partisan, bi-cameral manner to see over $2.64 million come to communities throughout Northampton County for twenty-six priority projects.  In particular, it is critical that we provide our local police and fire with the tools they need to protect our communities and this funding aids in that goal,” Boscola continued.

“Through the approval of these state funds, Northampton County communities will be able to expedite important projects that will improve the quality of life and increase community safety,” Boscola added.  “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. 

Northampton County projects in the 18th District approved today by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) for investment are as follows:

  • Bangor Borough Salt Shed ($89,609) applied for by the Borough of Bangor;
  • Property Acquisiton ($417,283) applied for by the Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation;
  • Bethlehem Township defibrillator purchase ($37,733) applied for by Bethlehem Township on behalf of Bethlehem Township Volunteer Fire Company Emergency Medical Services Squad;
  • Bethlehem Township police vehicle purchases ($75,000) applied for by Bethlehem Township;
  • Bethlehem Township Stretcher Loading System Purchase ($28,310) applied for by Bethlehem Township Bethlehem Township Volunteer Fire Company Emergency Medical Services Squad;
  • Equipment Purchase Project ($18,775) applied for by Bethlehem Township on behalf of Bethlehem Township Volunteer Fire Company Emergency Medical Services Squad;
  • P25 Radios for the Easton Fire Department ($60,682) applied for by the City of Easton;
  • LIDAR Transport Van for the Easton Police and Fire Departments ($30,060) applied for by the City of Easton;
  • Police Officer Equipment and Safety Plan ($32,485) applied for by Forks Township;
  • Community Amphitheater Seating and American Disabilities Act Accommodations ($100,000) applied for by Freemansburg Borough;
  • Reinhard’s Park Improvements ($200,000) applied for by Hellertown Borough;
  • LMBT Office Security System ($7,045) applied for by Lower Mount Bethel Township;
  • Fire Company Radios ($119,669) applied for by Lower Nazareth Township on behalf of Hecktown Volunteer Fire Company;
  • Easton Road Ballfield Development ($508,860) applied for by Lower Saucon Township;
  • Greater Valley YMCA, Nazareth Branch Building Project ($100,000) applied for by Nazareth Borough on behalf of Greater Valley YMCA;
  • License Plate Reader System Proposal ($18,000) applied for by Nazareth Borough;
  • Nazareth Ambulance Power Load System ($52,859) applied for by Nazareth Borough on behalf of Nazareth Regional Ambulance Corps;
  • Glendon Hotel Site Affordable Housing Project ($200,000) applied for by Northampton County on behalf of the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley;
  • Mill Race Park 9/11 Trail Master Plan ($75,000) applied for by Palmer Township;
  • Suburban EMS – Ambulance ($115,333) applied for by Palmer Township on behalf of Suburban EMS;
  • Regional Police Vehicles ($57,021) applied for the Borough of Pen Argyl on behalf of the Slate Belt Regional Police Department;
  • Spray Playground and Ice Rink Combination – Phase 1 ($64,629) applied for by Pen Argyl Borough;
  • Self Contained Breathing Apparatus Project ($60,000) applied for by Roseto Borough on behalf of Columbia Fire Company No. 1.
  • Upper Nazareth Township Public Works Equipment ($50,000) applied for by Upper Nazareth Township;
  • Trestles Bridges Removal Project ($25,000) applied for by West Easton Borough;
  • Wilson Borough Community Playground ($100,000) applied for by Wilson Borough.

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.

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