State Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th, and Reps. Jeanne McNeill, D-133rd, Michael Schlossberg, D-132nd, Peter Schweyer, D-134th, and Joshua Siegel, D-22nd, announced recently nearly $1 million in Commonwealth Financing Authority Local Share Account grants for various projects across the 14th Senatorial District.

The LSA grants totaled $885,653 and were awarded during the CFA’s board meeting.

LSA grants support economic development, community development, and public interest projects.

The awardees in South Whitehall are:

·Emergency and Public Safety Services: $22,578 to South Whitehall’s Coroner Specialty Scene Response Vehicle – Local Share Account Lehigh County.

·Community Facilities and Public Infrastructure: $22,578 to South Whitehall’s West End Water District Rehabilitation.

“The grants awarded today will significantly strengthen our municipal services, public safety infrastructure, and community development efforts, all of which are essential to the improvement of our region and the livelihood of our residents,” Miller said.

“We are building a stronger future for the Lehigh Valley by enhancing our communities with the resources they need to stay safe, modern and resilient. From equipping first responders with advanced tools to upgrading aging municipal fleets in places like Bushkill Township, these grants mark an exciting step forward for our region.”

“I am glad to see these projects receive funding,” Schlossberg said. “The Lehigh County Coroner’s is one of the most advanced in the Commonwealth and these funds will help our coroner continue the work this office has done to keep our communities safe.

“There are aging water systems across the country,” Schlossberg noted. “South Whitehall’s work to replace infrastructure for the West End Water District has been a key focus for years, and these funds will help this project take a step forward.”

“I am thrilled to join my colleagues as we partner to support the work of local officials in making real impact in the lives of people we represent.

“Bringing home our tax dollars to improve our community is one of my top priorities,” Schweyer said.

“This funding will help meet several important needs, from ensuring our emergency responders have the vehicles they need to properly answer the call to keeping Patriot Park, a jewel of the southside, properly maintained so youth sports teams can continue to play ball on this legendary field.

“This is truly an important investment for the Lehigh Valley, and I want to thank my fellow colleagues and Sen. Miller for collaborating to support these projects,” Schweyer said.

A grant was also awarded to the Eastern Salisbury Fire Department in Salisbury Township.

“Wear and tear of our infrastructure is a necessary price to pay, especially when in turn, we have our brave firefighters protecting us along with our first responders in general,” Siegel said. “With the excavation of the front driveway of the Eastern Salisbury Fire Department and the replacement of an 8-inch-thick-concrete pad and the pavement of the side and rear lots, there will be enhanced durability and better load support from here on out for the fire trucks. I thank all my colleagues for their help to secure the funding needed to make this important change.”