State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-133rd, has announced grants totaling $137,749 were awarded to three local municipalities from the Commonwealth Financing Authority through the Local Share Account.

“Today’s announcement shows a continued commitment to our communities here in Lehigh County,” McNeill said. “Investments in projects like these provide opportunities for our friends and neighbors to enjoy the green spaces that we are lucky to have in our area.”

Funding includes $30,774 for Coplay Borough to rehabilitate two basketball courts at Saylor Park and $76,375 for Whitehall Township to preserve the 1835 historic farmhouse located on the 12-acre historic Mickley Prydun Farm.

Phase two of the project will renovate both the interior and exterior of the 1835 farmhouse to make it usable. The project includes repairing/replacing exterior windows, interior upgrades and repairs to finishes, upgrading mechanical plumbing and electrical systems and making the building accessible in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Additionally, Catasauqua Borough received $30,600 for a community pool planning study to estimate the future costs to operate and maintain the pool and to determine whether a public pool is the best use for the land where the pool is located.

“A special thank you to my legislative colleagues, including Sen. Lisa Boscola, for supporting these projects to help enhance the quality of life in our region,” McNeill added.

Under Pennsylvania’s 2004 Gaming Act, the Commonwealth Financing Authority developed program guidelines for Local Share Account funds in Lehigh County for projects concerning the public interest, community improvement and economic development. The Local Share Account receives gaming money generated by casinos.

The Commonwealth Financing Authority is an independent state agency responsible for administering Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus programs.