Congressman Ryan Mackenzie announced on Mar. 20 that $3.7 million in federal funding has been secured to support a major redevelopment project in Catasauqua, Pennsylvania. The funds were obtained as part of the recently passed Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations package.
The investment will help transform vacant riverfront land on Front Street, previously home to the historic Crane Iron Company, into a new community with over 300 apartments, several dozen townhomes, and retail and commercial space. The federal funding will be used for infrastructure improvements such as road widening, sewer line replacement, and construction of a retaining wall.
“As the Lehigh Valley continues to grow, we’re making transformative investments to revitalize neighborhoods and meet the housing needs of our communities,” said Congressman Ryan Mackenzie. “The redevelopment of the Crane Iron Company site will help to provide the thriving main street that Catasauqua residents deserve, the new infrastructure that the Borough needs, and the hundreds of residential units that our growing region is counting on. Bringing resources home to support the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos is one of the most important parts of my job, and I’m glad to have been able to follow through on my goal of revitalizing neighborhoods and increasing our local housing supply. Congratulations to the people of Catasauqua on this exciting project.”
Gretchen Rice, Partner at VM Development Group, said: “On behalf of the entire team at VM Development Group, I’d like to sincerely thank Congressman Mackenzie for his support and in the award of this important grant. The Ironworks project represents a significant opportunity for economic revitalization in the Borough. This grant allows us to move forward with infrastructure improvements and site preparation for phase 1 that will unlock private investment and support long-term growth.”
Catasauqua Borough Manager Glenn Eckhart added: “This federal funding is going to be a gamechanger here in Catasauqua — creating a brand new community that will be vibrant for many years to come. This project will provide over $1.5 million to the school district, borough, and county annually in the years to come. Thank you to Congressman Mackenzie for making this grant funding possible.”
Mackenzie serves as representative for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District according to his official website, which includes Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties plus part of Monroe County according to his official website. He supports community programs such as art competitions, commendations and grant assistance according to his official website, offers Spanish-language services by appointment in Downtown Allentown according to his official website, and focuses on issues including healthcare improvements, workforce development, taxpayer protection, environmental conservation, veteran support and government reform according to his official website. During his tenure in Pennsylvania’s state House he authored legislation addressing these areas according to his official website.
Through fiscal year 2026 appropriations efforts beyond Catasauqua’s redevelopment project, Mackenzie also brought more than $12 million in community project funding back home—including funds for first responders’ technology upgrades in Carbon County; building a new fire house in Alburtis; supporting an expansion at Lehigh Valley International Airport; various infrastructure improvements; as well as securing $47 million programmatic funding for continued construction of heavy dump trucks by Mack Defense.
