U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, who represents Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, announced that applications are now open for Community Project Funding (CPF) and programmatic and language appropriations requests for Fiscal Year 2027.
Mackenzie said, “After securing over $12 million for local projects in FY 2026, we’re looking forward to once again delivering results for the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos. The appropriations process gives us the opportunity to secure resources for projects that are important to the local community, and put tax dollars to work right here at home. This can mean a smaller cost burden for local municipalities and taxpayers, greater resources for important projects, and higher-quality services here at home.”
In the previous funding cycle, Mackenzie obtained more than $12 million in community project funding as well as additional programmatic support. Projects included $1.65 million for a new fire house in Alburtis for the Lower Macungie Fire Department, $2.16 million for technology and radio upgrades for Carbon County first responders, $2 million toward expansion at Lehigh Valley International Airport, and over $1 million dedicated to various infrastructure improvements.
The CPF initiative allows members of Congress to submit up to 20 direct funding requests annually for specific local projects. All applications must be submitted by March 9th, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET.
Applicants are required to provide detailed technical information about their proposals along with evidence of strong community backing—such as letters of support from local officials or documentation from planning documents or governing body resolutions. Each project submitted will be publicly disclosed on Mackenzie’s website.
Projects must have a federal nexus by qualifying under an existing federal program; each request should include an explanation of this eligibility. Community support is considered critical by the House Appropriations Committee, with preference given to letters of support. Requests must seek funding solely for FY27 or a clearly defined phase within a larger project. For-profit entities are not eligible recipients; non-profit eligibility depends on subcommittee rules. Museums, commemoratives and memorials do not qualify.
Mackenzie’s office instructs applicants to submit only complete applications and reach out if revisions are needed after submission instead of submitting duplicates.
Guidance on CPF criteria and subcommittee-specific requirements is available on the House Appropriations Committee website.
Applications are also open for programmatic requests—which ask Congress to fund certain programs or activities at specified levels—and language requests that propose bill or report wording encouraging specific actions but not directing funds to any entity. In FY26, Mackenzie secured $47 million in programmatic funding supporting Mack Defense Heavy Dump Truck manufacturing in Lehigh Valley through such efforts.
Further details on eligible accounts, requirements and deadlines can be obtained by contacting Mackenzie’s Washington D.C. office or via email.
A webinar hosted by Mackenzie’s office is scheduled for March 2 at 1:00 PM ET to guide applicants through the CPF and appropriations request processes.
Mackenzie supports several community initiatives including art competitions and grant assistance according to his official website. Spanish-language services are available by appointment in Downtown Allentown. His priorities include healthcare improvement, workforce development, taxpayer protection, environmental conservation, veteran support and government reform (source). He represents a district covering Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties as well as part of Monroe County (source). During his time in the Pennsylvania state House he authored legislation focused on similar issues (source).
