Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners at a special meeting earlier this month unanimously approved the creation of the Whitehall Area Development Authority.

The new authority's purpose is to spur economic development and reuse older structures in the township.

The new legislation will be signed by Board President Linda Snyder, Secretary Dennis Hower and Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr.

The inaugural members serving on the authority at the present time include the seven township commissioners. They will serve until a permanent board is appointed.

Howard Lieberman, executive director of the Whitehall Township Industrial and Commercial Development Authority, has been in the forefront for the creation and incorporation of the new authority. Lieberman hopes to obtain the approval of Harrisburg for the City Revitalization and Improvement Zone. The CRIZ is considered to be a significant source of income through the administration of the program and the fees associated with financing.

"After careful consideration and reflection on all issues related to such request, the board of commissioners is supportive of the formation of such [an] authority," the board noted.

Two other authorities organized under a 1945 Pennsylvania act are the Coplay-Whitehall Sewer Authority and the Whitehall Township Authority, the latter dealing with service of water systems and water to township residents.

Snyder said she hopes the new authority will aid in strengthening and improving the condition of the township.

Commissioner Gerard Palagonia mentioned there are a lot of old buildings in the township, specifically citing the former Lehigh Valley Dairy complex that the new authority could address.