State Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th, announced July 16 that he secured more than $5.7 million in state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding to advance transformative infrastructure, education, economic development and quality-of-life projects across the Lehigh Valley. The investments will revitalize long-vacant properties, strengthen public assets, expand educational opportunities and support the region’s continued economic growth.

Local projects receiving funding include $1,200,000 to begin site preparation and redevelop the abandoned former Lehigh Valley Dairy site, 1026 MacArthur Road, Whitehall, for commercial or mixed-use development, and $2,750,000 to construct a five-level parking garage at Lehigh Valley International Airport with 1,000 spaces, Americans With Disabilities Act upgrades, elevators, electric vehicle chargers and safety systems.

The awards reflect Miller’s continued focus on securing state investments that strengthen the Lehigh Valley’s economy while improving the communities where families live, work and learn. The projects leverage additional public and private investment and will generate lasting benefits for residents throughout the region.

“These investments didn’t happen by accident,” Miller said. “They are the result of months of working alongside local leaders and advocating for the needs of our communities. From expanding our airport and redeveloping blighted properties to strengthening our schools, arts institutions and community facilities, these projects will create jobs, improve quality of life and position our region for long-term success.”

Additional projects include $500,000 to kick off a multiphase expansion at J. Birney Crum Stadium, Allentown, including new buildings, site development, restrooms, concessions, field house and scoreboards; $500,000 to support site prep, demolition, environmental work, engineering and new construction at the Allentown Art Museum, ensuring compliance and leveraging private philanthropy; $250,000 for the Salvation Army’s Allentown housing shelter renovations for the roof, entry and HVAC and to update electrical, lighting, kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, signage and sidewalks; $250,000 to expand and renovate Allentown School District’s Union Terrace Elementary School campus with strategic demolition, new school addition and reconfigured parking; and $250,000 to build a multipurpose athletic facility at Allentown Central Catholic High School with a turf field, track, press box, seating, restrooms, snack stand, garden, storage, lighting, sound system and parking.

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a state grant program managed by the office of the budget to fund design, acquisition and construction of projects that boost regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical development.