The $1.2 million Lafarge Fund, established in 1998 when Whitehall Township received the contribution from the Cementon-based plant after it opened a new quarry, continues to benefit the township.

Two loans from the fund, approved by the board of commissioners at its Sept. 24 meeting, will allow for paving and pool rehabilitation projects.

The total loan amount from the Lafarge Fund is $264,845, of which $114,845 will go toward paving the last remaining section of the Ironton Rail Trail and $150,000 will be used for repairs to Parkview Pool in Hokendauqua, which sustained major damage over the winter.

The fund will be reimbursed from grants secured from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The Lafarge Fund was tapped into by a previous administration when it fronted Lehigh County’s cost for the new Mickley Road bridge in order for the project to be on the fast track for construction.

The money to purchase Mickley-Prydun Farmstead was also taken from the Lafarge Fund. This became an issue when the grant funding was delayed for an extended period. Commissioners noted they were not aware when the administration took the loan from the Lafarge Fund.

Both projects have been reimbursed to the Lafarge Fund.

Interest from the fund has paid for heavy equipment, usually as replacements, needed by the township.

The Lafarge cement plant has recently been renamed LafargeHolcim.