Rep. Zach Mako has announced that nearly $700,000 in Local Share Account grants from gaming revenues have been awarded to various projects within Northampton and Lehigh counties. The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) distributed these funds, which are intended to support economic development, job training, community improvement, and public interest projects as outlined under Act 71 of 2004.
The grants were allocated as follows: Bath Borough received $189,970 for a new dump truck; Lehigh Township was awarded $69,999 to upgrade the police department’s computer system; Northampton Borough obtained $80,000 for the replacement of two police vehicles; North Whitehall Township was granted $44,406 to purchase four power stair chairs for Northern Valley Emergency Medical Services; and Walnutport Borough received $308,085 to acquire a replacement multipurpose utility vehicle for the Diamond Fire Company.
Rep. Mako collaborated with Sen. Nick Miller on securing funding for projects in Bath and Northampton boroughs as well as Lehigh Township. Mako expressed satisfaction with the outcome: “I’m pleased to help advocate for these grant funds in order to purchase needed equipment for municipal services within the within the 183rd Legislative District,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of replacing equipment when necessary: “Our local governments do a good job in getting the full use out of vehicles and other equipment, but there comes a time when it must be replaced. It’s good to see gaming funds used for these important needs.”
The 183rd House District covers Lowhill and North Whitehall townships and Slatington Borough in Lehigh County. In Northampton County, it includes Allen, East Allen, Lehigh and Moore (part) townships along with Bath, North Catasauqua, Northampton and Walnutport boroughs.
