183rd DISTRICT

State Rep. Zach Mako, R-183rd, announced recently a $180,000 state grant has been awarded to Lehigh Township for improvements to Indian Trail Park.

Mako advocated for the funding through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Greenway, Trails and Recreation Program, which funds projects for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open spaces and parks.

“Indian Trail Park is one of four recreational spaces in the township,” Mako said. “Eroding stream banks have reduced the water quality and could eventually lead to further problems. This grant will assist with maintaining this park for generations to come. I’m happy to have assisted with funding for this project.”

The grant will be used to grade and stabilize the eroding stream banks throughout the park and establish a native riparian buffer. In addition, most of the retaining wall will be removed and the stream bank regraded to create a slope to prevent further erosion, as well as safer access to the stream. The riparian buffer will be designated as a no-mow zone, the most sustainable method of stabilizing the bank long term.

The 183rd Legislative District includes Allen, Lehigh and part of Moore townships and Northampton, North Catasauqua and Walnutport boroughs in Northampton County and Washington Township, parts of Whitehall and South Whitehall townships and Slatington Borough in Lehigh County.