Rep. Zach Mako, R-Lehigh/Northampton, announced more than $5.1 million in grants were awarded to projects throughout the 183rd Legislative District through the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

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

“Each of these projects addresses needed improvements in the Lehigh Valley,” Mako said. “I strongly supported legislation which allocated funding for the programs. 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.”

“I’m pleased to announce that we’re going to be able to provide some assistance to local projects via grant funding,” Coleman said.

“Keeping our sewers, wastewater treatment plants and waterlines updated and maintained is vital to the safety and health of our community,” Miller said. “Investing in this infrastructure is a necessity to the future of the Lehigh Valley and I was proud to advocate for this funding. 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 funds to the H2O PA – Water Supply, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Water Projects Program. Under Act 54 of 2022, the General Assembly appropriated $205.4 million to assist with construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer and storm water projects.

Lehigh Township Municipal Authority received $2.2 million for upgrades and expansion of the Pennsville wastewater treatment plant.

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

Slatington Borough received $235,957 for a water main and service line replacement project on Maple Spring Drive.

The PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program was created from COVID-19 ARPA funds to provide grants to nonprofit arts and culture organizations, local arts and culture districts, and arts and culture professionals located in the Commonwealth to ensure the stability and recovery of the Commonwealth’s arts and culture sector from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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