State Rep. Robert Freeman Dec. 19 lauded said $2.87 million in state grants were awarded locally by the Commonwealth Financing Authority for municipal water and sewer projects plus arts organizations in the Easton area and neighboring communities of Northampton County.

“The Commonwealth Financing Authority took a huge step in helping Easton and surrounding communities by funding various important improvements that will lead to cleaner water, better sewers and continued operation of valuable arts programs,” said Freeman. “I would like to thank the board for its due diligence, as well as my legislative colleagues who were supportive of these funding requests.”

H20 PA Program grants were awarded to:

• Easton Area Joint Sewer Authority - $1 million to replace a failing force main near the Second Street Pumping Station located in Easton.

• City of Bethlehem - $750,000 to replace a 2-million-gallon water tank at the Bethlehem City reservoir, located in Lower Saucon Township.

• Lower Saucon Authority - $300,000 for pump station replacements in Lower Saucon Township.

• Palmer Township - $250,000 for a Norma Street sanitary sewer extension project.

Funds distributed through the H20 PA Program provide single-year or multiyear grants to municipalities or municipal authorities to assist with the construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer and stormwater projects. Act 54 of 2022 appropriated $205.4 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to the H2O PA - Water Supply, Sanitary Sewer and Stormwater Projects Program.

Small Water and Sewer program funding will be provided to:

• West Easton Borough - $150,000 for a sanitary sewer rehabilitation project.

• City of Easton - $145,000 for a Bushkill Drive pump station construction project.

• Hellertown Borough Authority - $78,030 for improvements at its Cherry Lane pump station.

• Wilson Borough - $58,851 for a sewer improvement project.

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 PA Small Water and Sewer Program.

PA Arts and Culture grants were awarded to:

• State Theatre Center For The Arts - $74,454 for operating costs.

• The Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society - $28,064 for operating costs.

• Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Inc. - $21,699 to help fund operation costs and new marketing.

• Karl Stirner Arts Trail Inc. - $10,000 for operating expenses.

“It is always pleasing to see community improvement grants be allocated to our community,” said State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, applauding similar grant sin Lehigh County. “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.” The CCA was awarded $30,627

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 Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. The seven-member CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth.