Lehigh Valley gains more than $5.1m for water, sewer projects

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More than $5.1 million in grants have been awarded to projects throughout the Lehigh Valley through the Commonwealth Financing Authority, Rep. Zach Mako, R-Lehigh/Northampton, announced.

Sens. Jarrett Coleman, R-Lehigh/Bucks, and Nick Miller, D-Lehigh/Northampton, worked with Mako to secure the funding.

Mako said the projects addresses needed improvements in the Lehigh Valley.

“I strongly supported legislation which allocated funding for the programs,” Mako said in a statement. “While most of this money is going to water and sewer projects that are underground and cannot be seen on a daily basis, they play a key role in the health and safety of residents.”

Coleman said the projects will aid local projects via grant funding. Miller added that keeping sewers, wastewater treatment plants and waterlines updated and maintained is vital to the safety and health of the community.

“Investing in this infrastructure is a necessity to the future of the Lehigh Valley and I was proud to advocate for this funding,” said Miller. “I would like to thank the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for recognizing the requirement of dedicated financing for this purpose.”

The first set of funding is from the COVID-19 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the H2O PA – Water Supply, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Water Projects Program. The General Assembly appropriated $205.4 million to assist with construction of drinking water, sanitary sewers, and storm water projects under Act 54 of 2022. 

The following projects were awarded grants:

• Borough of Northampton – $2 million for a sewer line rehabilitation project. 
• Lehigh Township Municipal Authority – $2.2 million for upgrades and expansion of the Pennsville wastewater treatment plant. 
• North Whitehall Township – $328,330 for stormwater improvements.

The second set of funding is from the COVID-19 ARPA funds to the Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewer Program. The General Assembly appropriated $105.6 million under Act 54 of 2022, to assist with construction, improvement, expansion, rehabilitation or repair of water supply system, sanitary sewer system and storm water system projects.

The awards went to the following:

• Slatington Borough – $235,957 for a water main and service line replacement project on Maple Spring Drive. 
• Bath Borough Authority – $310,000 for water line replacements along West, Race and Mulberry streets.

The Lehigh Valley Zoo was awarded $95,000 for operating expenses and to establish new programs and marketing for the zoo.