Freeman lauds $2.87 million in state grants
Rep. Robert L. Freeman December 19, 2023 | 2:05 PM
HARRISBURG, Dec. 19 – State Rep. Robert Freeman said $2.87 million in state grants were awarded today by the Commonwealth Financing Authority for municipal water and sewer projects plus arts organizations in the Easton area and neighboring communities of Northampton County.
“The Commonwealth Financing Authority took a huge step in helping Easton and surrounding communities by funding various important improvements that will lead to cleaner water, better sewers and continued operation of valuable arts programs,” said Freeman. “I would like to thank the board for its due diligence, as well as my legislative colleagues who were supportive of these funding requests.”
Freeman said H20 PA Program grants were awarded to:
- Easton Area Joint Sewer Authority -- $1 million to replace a failing force main near the Second Street Pumping Station located in Easton.
- City of Bethlehem -- $750,000 to replace a 2-million-gallon water tank at the Bethlehem City reservoir, located in Lower Saucon Township.
- Lower Saucon Authority -- $300,000 for pump station replacements in Lower Saucon Township.
- Palmer Township -- $250,000 for a Norma Street sanitary sewer extension project.
Funds distributed through the H20 PA Program provide single-year or multi-year grants to municipalities or municipal authorities to assist with the construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer and storm water projects. Act 54 of 2022 appropriated $205.4 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to the H2O PA – Water Supply, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Water Projects Program.
Freeman said Small Water and Sewer program funding will be provided to:
- West Easton Borough -- $150,000 for a sanitary sewer rehabilitation project.
- City of Easton -- $145,000 for a Bushkill Drive pump station construction project.
- Hellertown Borough Authority -- $78,030 for improvements at its Cherry Lane pump station.
- Wilson Borough -- $58,851 for a sewer improvement project.
Funds distributed through the Small Water and Sewer program provide for small water, sewer, and storm system water infrastructure projects. Act 54 of 2022 appropriated $105.6 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to the PA Small Water and Sewer Program.
Freeman said PA Arts and Culture grants were awarded to:
- State Theatre Center For The Arts -- $74,454 for operating costs.
- The Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society -- $28,064 for operating costs.
- Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Inc. -- $21,699 to help fund operation costs and new marketing.
- Karl Stirner Arts Trail Inc. -- $10,000 for operating expenses.
Funds distributed through the PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program provide grants to nonprofit arts and culture organizations located in the commonwealth. Act 54 of 2022 appropriated $15 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to the COVID-19 ARPA PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program.