Schweyer, Schlossberg, Siegel, and Miller announce over $7.1 million in state grants

Rep. Peter G. Schweyer, Rep. Mike Schlossberg, Rep. Josh Siegel    December 19, 2023

HARRISBURG, Dec. 19 – State Reps. Peter Schweyer, Mike Schlossberg, and Josh Siegel along with state Sen. Nick Miller today announced a total of over $7.1 million was awarded to 13 projects throughout Lehigh County by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

“This funding will help protect the residents of Allentown, Emmaus and Salisbury Township from the devastating impacts of flooding, while allowing property owners and renters to keep as much money in their pockets for other expenses,” said Schweyer. “These are the types of funding projects I am always proud to support and come together with my Lehigh Valley colleagues in the House and Senate to secure for our community.”

“A common concern for residents in Parkland and Allentown is aging infrastructure,” said Schlossberg. “By upgrading our stormwater infrastructure, we are addressing the flooding concerns that cut across all demographics. Homeowners, small business owners and people who want assurance of high-quality open space will benefit knowing their infrastructure is being improved.”

“These grants are about investing in critical infrastructure and the Lehigh Valley’s cultural vibrancy,” said Siegel. “Through ensuring long-term sustainability in our stormwater systems and further strengthening our arts and cultural institutions, we can ensure the Lehigh Valley continues to experience growth and prosperity, our cultural institutions offer a quality of place that makes our region desirable and competitive.  I’m grateful for the teamwork exhibited by my colleagues in securing these grants.”

“Maintaining and updating our infrastructure is essential for the health and safety of our communities,” said Miller. “These projects will have long-lasting impacts on the Lehigh Valley and I will continue to advocate to bring this type of funding back to the district.”

The grants include:

  • $3 million to the City of Allentown to rehabilitate multiple sewer lines in the city as part of a source reduction program.
  • $1.2 million to Emmaus Borough for the rehabilitation and maintenance of the borough’s four water storage tanks.
  • $1 million to the Lehigh County Authority to install a pump station in Upper Macungie Township.
  • $660,000 to Salisbury Township to repair and upgrade portions of the sanitary sewer system.
  • $425,000 to Emmaus Borough to repair and replace manholes and lining to sewer mains and laterals.
  • $391,000 to Salisbury Township to rehabilitate cast iron water mains located in the Meadowbrook area.
  • $115,500 to the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation to distribute pandemic recovery payments to arts and culture professionals as the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts regranting organization for Region 5 that includes Lehigh.
  • $75,280 to the Allentown Symphony Association to establish new programming for the Performing Arts Organization.
  • $70,066 to The Da Vinci Discovery Center of Science and Technology Inc. for operating expenses.
  • $68,525 to the Allentown Art Museum to fund operating costs.
  • $41,624 to the Civic Theatre of Allentown for operating costs.
  • $33,570 for The Baum School of Art for operating costs and new programs and marketing expenses.
  • $10,000 to the Lehigh Valley Arts and Cultural Alliance to offset lost revenue.
  • $10,000 to the Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra to offset lost revenue.

The H20 PA Program provides single- or multi-year grants to municipalities or municipal authorities to assist with the construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer and storm water projects. The Small Water and Sewer Program provides for small water, sewer, and storm system water infrastructure projects, and the PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program provides grants to nonprofit arts and culture organizations located in the commonwealth.