Northampton County recently announced a number of grants.

Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure and the Department of Community and Economic Development announced county council approved $681,500 for 47 hotel tax grants at the Dec. 1 meeting.

Hotel tax grants are funded through the county’s tax on hotels and Airbnbs. For a project to be eligible, it must enhance tourism and/or promote community development and be completed within the 2023 calendar year.

“Municipal festivals, our parks and trails system, art organizations, living history exhibitions and events like Musikfest are instrumental in bringing art, theater and music to our communities,” McClure said. “Hotel tax grants promote culture and encourage tourists to visit Northampton County.”

North Catasauqua will receive funds for the parks association. There will be $2,100 for the Community Days event and $2,000 for the summer concert series.

Additionally, at the Dec. 1 county council meeting, council members approved of $780,900 for 58 Grow NORCO grants.

Grow NORCO program grants are available to Northampton County nonprofit organizations and municipalities. Grants of up to $50,000 can be used for capital improvements, facade programs, operations and community planning.

Projects must be completed by Dec. 31, 2023.

“The county of Northampton appreciates the hard work provided by our nonprofit organizations and municipalities,” McClure said. “It’s important that the county continues to support their contributions, which improve public health and economic development.”

Also approved was $600,000 in grants for 42 fire, police and EMS departments. These public safety grants are available to Northampton County professional and volunteer police, fire and EMS organizations.

The funding can be used for capital improvements, vehicle purchase, equipment purchase and training. Eligible organizations can apply for up to $20,000 per application or project. Grants are awarded via a competitive process.

“Our fire departments and EMS organizations are a critical resource in protecting the health and safety of our public,” McClure said. “These grants help equip our first responders with the tools they need to serve the people of Northampton County.”