Northampton County

BURN BAN: At its Nov. 7 meeting, County Council passed Resolution No. 112-2024 which enacts a ban on all burning in Northampton County after a written recommendation from the district forester and the endorsement and approval of at least twelve County Fire Chiefs.

All open outdoor burning is banned as of 12 a.m. Nov. 10. The ban will last for 30 days or until a further resolution passed by County Council, whichever comes first. The ban may be enforced by any sworn police officer including, but not limited to, the Pennsylvania State Police and all police of Northampton County municipalities.

FUEL ASSISTANCE: The Northampton County Area Agency on Aging will begin its Emergency Fuel Assistance Program Nov. 12. This program is for once-a-season fuel assistance of $800; $780 goes toward fuel assistance and $20 goes to Project of Easton for administrative costs.

To be eligible, an individual needs to be 60-years of age or older, reside anywhere in Northampton County EXCEPT for Bethlehem City, must meet HUD Income Guidelines, provide proof of household income and the fuel tank needs to be at 1/4 full or less. Proof of residency is also required with a copy of the current lease, a letter from the landlord and two pieces of mail, one of which is a bill.

For assistance with non-oil heat, a shut-off notice is required. LIHEAP benefits need to be exhausted, or the applicant needs to have been denied LIHEAP benefits, before they can be eligible for this program.

To apply, contact the Northampton County Information & Referral Emergency Services 610-559-3270 or 610-829-4800.

MONOCACY RESTORATION: Northampton County and Wildlands Conservancy commenced the restoration of approximately one-half mile of the Monocacy Creek as it flows through the Archibald Johnston Conservation Area in Bethlehem Township and the City of Bethlehem (see map).

This effort involves removing a series of dams and other aging structures that are obstructing the natural flow of the stream and contributing to its impairment.

The project also includes streambank restoration, fish habitat improvements, and nearly ¾ mile of trail rehabilitation.

LEHIGH 250: Lehigh Valley250 is the vehicle by which County Executive Lamont G. McClure has chosen to begin preparations for the nation’s 250th birthday.

County Council recently approved Executive Lamont G. McClure’s plan to provide $100,000 to Lehigh Valley250 to promote events, exhibitions, and community performances in the region.

The Pennsylvania Commission for America250PA, established in 2018, is spearheading efforts to coordinate the nationwide commemoration.

Its goal is to engage every Pennsylvanian in every county, making the 250th anniversary the largest and most inclusive celebration in our Commonwealth’s history.

To find ways to get involved, you can visit America250PA.org or lehighvalley250.org.

DIGITAL INCLUSION: Northampton County Executive Lamont G. McClure presented a proclamation honoring Oct. 7 to 11 as Digital Inclusion Week in Northampton County.

Digital Inclusion Week serves as a national call to action to elevate awareness around digital equity, addressing essential areas such as affordable internet access, broadband access, appropriate devices and digital skills training which are basic necessities that millions of Americans are living without.

Earlier this year, Executive McClure and the Northampton County Department of Community & Economic Development announced an allocation of approximately $10,000 of the County’s Broadband American Rescue Plan funds to support Digital Navigator Training.