State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-133rd, said $1.92 million in state grants were awarded Dec. 19, 2023, by the Commonwealth Financing Authority to advance multiple projects in Lehigh County.

“It is always pleasing to see community improvement grants be allocated to our community,” McNeill said. “Ensuring that we have good water systems in place will allow many residents to be at peace knowing that there is a low risk of flooding in the community, mitigating property damage and other costs. Not only that, but we are helping the Celtic Cultural Alliance continue operating and sharing the cultural experience of their organization with those in the community.”

Grants for Catasauqua Borough include $401,921 for public water system improvements; $348,221 for upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant; $255,000 for influent pumps replacement at the borough’s wastewater treatment plant; $250,581 to rehabilitate its aging sanitary sewer infrastructure; $57,923 to install a disinfectant system at the wastewater treatment plant; and $51,229 to relocate the fluoride system at the water treatment plant.

Grants for Whitehall Township include $284,637 to assist with a stormwater management project for the village of Egypt and $240,000 to Whitehall Township Authority for the replacement of water main piping.

The grant for Celtic Cultural Alliance is $30,627 for COVID-19 ARPA PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program funds for operating expenses.

Funds distributed through the Small Water and Sewer Program provide for small water, sewer and storm system water infrastructure projects. Act 54 of 2022 appropriated $105.6 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to the Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewer Program.

Funds distributed through the PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program provide grants to nonprofit arts and culture organizations located in the commonwealth. Act 54 of 2022 appropriated $15 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to the COVID-19 ARPA PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program.

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