Whitehall Township Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. said Friday he is hopeful the township will receive an anticipated grant for $115,000 for the purchase of the Prydun Farm in Hokendauqua.

Hozza said he recently received a communication from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, which he believes is a hopeful sign the state agency will release the money soon. It already approved the grant but did not say when the township will receive its check.

Hozza said the township administration contends putting pressure on Harrisburg may be the answer.

The administration came under fire by the board of commissioners earlier this month for taking $115,000 from the Lafarge Fund in March so the property transfer could take place without waiting for the grant. While the commissioners gave their approval for the purchase of the Prydun Farm, the board said it had no knowledge the Lafarge Fund would be used for the purchase, even on a short-term basis.

The Lafarge Fund was established when the Cementon-based cement manufacturing plant opened a new quarry and contributed $1.7 million to the township.

Commissioner Gerard Palagonia spearheaded a move this month to require the administration to bring any question of using the Lafarge Fund to the commissioners for a vote.

The township used the Lafarge Fund to front money on behalf of Lehigh County for the construction of the Mickley Road Bridge.

The township has also used the fund to pay bills until real estate tax money arrived.