Whitehall Township has been awarded $60,000 to construct a pavilion in the Whitehall Parkway through the state’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation program, State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-133rd, and State Sen. Lisa M. Boscola, D-18th, announced Sept. 17.

The project will consist of installing a pre-engineered open-air pavilion with restrooms and concession areas in the Parkway, which spans 110 acres in the township.

“This project is an important part of Lehigh Valley’s recreational and tourism attractions, which host many visitors throughout the year,” McNeill said.

“I will continue to seek state funding and resources for local efforts aimed at improving the quality of life of our residents through improved and expanded recreational opportunities,” Boscola said.

The total cost of the project is $132,088.

In September of 2018, Whitehall Township Commissioner Jeff Warren prepared a grant narrative for the pavilion project for submission to the Commonwealth Finance Authority, the local gaming share grant program. His efforts, along with those of township Mayor Michael Harakal Jr. and township staff, led to an award of $69,622 in May.

That grant, along with the Greenways, Trails and Recreation program funding, cover the cost of the project.

Harakal also credited Tony Cocca, recreation director for the township, with helping to acquire the $60,000 grant.

Funding from the Greenways, Trails and Recreation program uses revenue generated through Act 13 of 2012 that imposes an impact fee on the state’s unconventional natural gas wells, according to Boscola.