Nearly $2 million in state grants have been allocated to projects in Pennsylvania’s 137th District, according to an announcement by Rep. Joe Emrick (R-Northampton) and Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-18). The funding, totaling $1,939,159, comes from the Local Share Account (LSA) administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
Sen. Boscola stated, “I have fought hard to make sure our local communities get their fair share of statewide dollars to complete priority projects.” She added, “These projects have been identified by local government leaders as important to improving the quality of life in their communities through funding for public safety, community development and recreation projects.”
Rep. Emrick commented on the importance of these grants for emergency services: “The grants that we worked so hard to secure support our local emergency service providers with equipment that is vital to serve and protect our community. It’s great that we can meet such critical needs and strengthen emergency service response across the 137th District, especially knowing these funds are derived from gaming revenues and not taxpayer dollars.”
The legislators noted they collaborated with other members of the Lehigh Valley legislative delegation in a bipartisan effort to obtain this funding. The Commonwealth Financing Authority approved investments for several specific initiatives:
– Bethlehem Township will receive $233,021 for an ambulance remounting project; $75,699 for firefighter radios at Nancy Run Fire Department; $93,423 for a police patrol car; and $118,041 for volunteer fire company radio equipment.
– Lower Nazareth Township will get $86,878 toward a Colonial Regional Police vehicle.
– Nazareth Borough will receive $50,000 for a public works vehicle.
– Palmer Township is allocated $250,000 for bicycle path rehabilitation and $150,000 for Suburban EMS Stryker Xpedition powered stair chair purchases.
– Upper Nazareth Township is set to receive $138,000 for a public works bucket truck and $744,097 for radios serving police and fire departments.
The Local Share Account funds come from gaming revenue generated under Pennsylvania’s Race Horse Development and Gaming Act of 2004. These revenues are distributed through the CFA to support projects considered in the public interest within Pennsylvania.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established as an independent agency within the Department of Community and Economic Development in 2004. Its role includes administering economic stimulus programs throughout Pennsylvania.
