More than $700,000 in grants for projects in shared parts of their districts was announced Tuesday by state Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-18) and state Rep. Bob Freeman (D-136), who both represent parts of Northampton County.
According to a joint news release, the funding comes from the Lehigh/Northampton and Monroe County Local Share accounts, which are funded by gaming revenues paid into the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA). The CFA awards grants to projects that aim to improve the quality of life in local communities. The Local Share Accounts (LSA) were established in 2004 by the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act. The funds are generated by the state’s gaming facilities and may be used for economic development, community development and public interest projects in Northampton, Lehigh and Monroe County and its contiguous counties.
“Using casino revenues to invest in communities is a way to improve the quality of life without relying on taxpayer dollars,” said Boscola.
“Funding community projects with casino revenues helps our communities flourish and ensures our localities remain a tremendous place to live, work and play,” added Freeman.
The grants awarded Tuesday will fund a variety of local projects, including stormwater improvements at Dewey Fire Co. in Hellertown (approximately $160,000), community amphitheater seating in Freemansburg ($185,000) and Southeastern Park playground improvements in Lower Saucon Township (approximately $99,000).
The funding announced Tuesday is for more than 30 projects and totals approximately $2.8 million, the release said.
This local news story was reported with generative AI assistance.
