Northhampton News

HARRISBURG – Rep. Zach Mako (R-Lehigh/Northampton) announced today that more than $5.1 million in grants have been awarded to various projects in the 183rd Legislative District through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The funding will be used for water, sewer, and art projects that are crucial for the health and safety of the community.

Working alongside Sens. Jarrett Coleman (R-Lehigh/Bucks) and Nick Miller (D-Lehigh/Northampton), Mako successfully secured the funding for these projects. He expressed his support for the legislation that allocated funds for these programs, emphasizing their importance in addressing the needed improvements in the Lehigh Valley.

Mako stated, "While most of this money is going to water and sewer projects that are underground and cannot be seen on a daily basis, they play a key role in the health and safety of residents."

Sens. Coleman and Miller also expressed their satisfaction with the grant funding. Coleman said, "I'm pleased to announce that we're going to be able to provide some assistance to local projects via grant funding." Miller added, "Investing in this infrastructure is a necessity to the future of the Lehigh Valley, and I was proud to advocate for this funding."

The grants awarded in the 183rd district include:

- Borough of Northampton: $2 million for a sewer line rehabilitation project.

- Lehigh Township Municipal Authority: $2.2 million for upgrades and expansion of the Pennsville wastewater treatment plant.

- North Whitehall Township: $328,330 for stormwater improvements.

These projects are funded by the COVID-19 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds through the H2O PA – Water Supply, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Water Projects Program. The General Assembly appropriated $205.4 million under Act 54 of 2022 to assist with the construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater projects.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewer Program will receive funding from the COVID-19 ARPA funds. The General Assembly allocated $105.6 million under Act 54 of 2022 to support the construction, improvement, expansion, rehabilitation, or repair of water supply system, sanitary sewer system, and stormwater system projects. The grants awarded in the 183rd district include:

- Slatington Borough: $235,957 for a water main and service line replacement project on Maple Spring Drive.

- Bath Borough Authority: $310,000 for water line replacements along West, Race, and Mulberry streets.

Apart from water and sewer projects, the PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program (PACR) will also receive funding from the COVID-19 ARPA funds. The program aims to provide grants to nonprofit arts and culture organizations, local arts and culture districts, and arts and culture professionals to ensure the stability and recovery of the Commonwealth's arts and culture sector from the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of this program, the Lehigh Valley Zoo has been awarded $95,000 for operating expenses and to establish new programs and marketing for the zoo.

These grants and funding opportunities highlight the commitment of Rep. Zach Mako and his colleagues in supporting the development and improvement of essential infrastructure and the arts and culture sector in the Lehigh Valley. Their efforts ensure the health, safety, and future prosperity of the community.

Contact:

Tracy Polovick

Media Contact for Rep. Zachary Mako

Phone: 717.260.6358

Email: tpolovick@pahousegop.com

Website: RepMako.com / Facebook.com/RepMako

Click this link to access more information: https://www.repmako.com/News/33318/Press-Releases/Millions-Awarded-to-Water,-Sewer,-Art-Projects,-Mako-Says-