Local legislators announced grants for our area Tuesday:

Carbon County

Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, and Sen. John Yudichak, D-14, announced that six improvement projects in Carbon County will benefit from nearly $750,000 in state funding approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority in Harrisburg today

“I am pleased I was able to play a role in obtaining the funding for these worthy projects,” said Heffley. “It’s always good to see state money coming back into our local communities to benefit the quality of life for us all.”

Projects receiving funding through the Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewer Program include:

• The Kline Township Municipal Authority, which was awarded a $200,000 grant for the replacement of water mains and the installation of five fire hydrants along West Oak and Chestnut streets in Banks Township. The project will significantly improve water quality and fire suppression service in the village of Tresckow. The total project cost is $494,471.

• Nesquehoning, which was awarded a $150,000 grant for replacing deteriorated terra cotta sanitary sewer lines with PVC piping on Willow Lane, from Mermon Street to Cherry Lane to correct an inflow and infiltration problem. The total project cost is $290,181.

• Jim Thorpe, which was awarded a $100,000 grant to replace the water main along Church Alley. The project includes the replacement of 2,450 feet of water main, 101 service lines, associated valves and two fire hydrants. The upgraded piping will be stronger and installed at a greater depth to prevent breaks during cold weather. The total project cost is $494,655.

• The Lehighton Water Authority, which was awarded a $125,715 grant for the purchase of a leak detection system to quickly identify sources of water loss. The total project cost is $147,900.

• The Weissport Municipal Authority, which was awarded a $88,306 grant to update sewer system equipment which is often in need of maintenance, including 70 grinder pumps and 70 ball check valves. The new equipment will reduce pump failures and eliminate overflow. The total project cost I $103,890.

• Beaver Meadows was awarded $85,000 through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program to construct a recreational pavilion across the street from Memorial Park. The structure will include ADA-accessible restrooms, kitchen and storage room. The total project cost is $184,000.

“The CFA continues to be a great partner with Carbon County communities looking to invest in community development projects that improve the quality of life in the region and set the stage for future economic growth,” Yudichak said. “The state investment ensures these important local projects are completed and further demonstrates Pennsylvania’s strong commitment to addressing the municipal infrastructure needs in communities all across Carbon County.”

Lehigh Township

Rep. Zach Mako, R-Lehigh/Northampton, announced that a $180,000 state grant has been awarded to Lehigh Township for improvements to Indian Trail Park.

Mako advocated for the funding through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Greenway, Trails and Recreation Program, which funds projects for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open spaces and parks.

“Indian Trail Park is one of four recreational spaces in the township,” Mako said. “Eroding stream banks have reduced the water quality and could eventually lead to further problems. This grant will assist with maintaining this park for generations to come. I’m happy to have assisted with funding for this project.”

The grant will be used to grade and stabilize the eroding stream banks throughout the park and establish a native riparian buffer. In addition, most of the retaining wall will be removed, and the stream bank regraded to create a slope to prevent further erosion, as well as safer access to the stream. The riparian buffer will be designated as a no-mow zone, the most sustainable method of stabilizing the bank long term.

Northern Lehigh

Rep. Mako announced the release of $450,000 in state funds to the borough of Slatington and the Walnutport Water and Sewer Authority for water and sewer line upgrades.

Mako advocated for the funding through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Small Water and Sewer Program. The grants for small water and sewer infrastructure projects can be used to assist with the construction, improvement, expansion, or rehabilitation or repair of a water supply or sanitary sewer system.

“Aging water and sewer lines can pose risks to residents,” Mako said. “It is vital that we do all we can to ensure clean drinking water is available. I’m pleased to help support both of these projects.”

Slatington’s $250,000 grant will replace 1,800 linear feet of a deteriorating main on Shadow Oaks Lane with a 6-inch ductile iron pipe. The existing water line is 60 years old and in very poor condition. The new water line will reduce or eliminate leaks and possible infiltration and contamination, all leading to improved water. Twenty-four service lines and four fire hydrants also will be installed along the water line.

The Walnutport Water and Sewer Authority’s $200,000 grant will replace the water main and service lines along South Canal Street and bore a new water main that services Lehigh Street under the historic Lehigh Canal. The current water main running under the canal has been in service since the 1900s and has suffered numerous breaks. In addition, the age of the lines increases the possibility that these lines contain lead, elevating the need for replacement.