State Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-18th, has announced $1,589,964 in state funding has been approved for six transportation and park/trail projects in the Lehigh Valley through the multimodal transportation fund program and the greenways, trails and recreation program.

“These state funds will have a tremendous impact on three critically needed transportation safety projects and provide improved park and recreational opportunities throughout the Lehigh Valley as well,” Boscola said. “Working with my legislative colleagues of both parties and both chambers made bringing this funding back to the Valley a reality.”

Projects approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority include Catasauqua Road and Valley Plaza signal and pedestrian crossing upgrades in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, in the amount of $380,000.

Additional projects include the Ironton Rail Trail trailhead improvement in Whitehall Township and a playground rehabilitation in Coplay Borough, with both projects receiving $42,500; tennis court rehabilitation in Wilson Borough in the amount of $130,270; College Hill escarpment improvements project at Lafayette College in the amount of $869,694; and pedestrian crossing improvements in Bethlehem Township in the amount of $139,270.

The multimodal transportation fund was created as part of Act 89 to promote economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation is available throughout the commonwealth.

Funding for 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.