Bethlehem, November, 14, 2017— State Sen. Lisa M. Boscola today announced the approval of over $2.6 million in state funds for 5 local projects: Multimodal Improvements along S. New Street in Bethlehem ($1,000,000) and in College Hill in Easton ($1,404,410); improvements to Dimmick Park in Hellertown ($155,000) and to Comer Park in Bethlehem Township ($45,000); and the Easton Connections project in Easton ($50,000).

“I am pleased that state dollars will be used toward projects that will enhance pedestrian safety and improve the quality of life in our communities,” Boscola said. “These projects may never happen without the state partnering with local communities”, noted Boscola.  “Assisting municipalities improve community parks and enhance the walkability of neighborhoods helps keep the Lehigh Valley a great place to live”, Boscola continued. 

The Multimodal Improvements along S. New Street project in the City of Bethlehem was awarded $1,000,000. The project is a collaborative effort between the City of Bethlehem and Lehigh University.

“The improvements made to the S. New Street corridor in South Bethlehem will provide for needed safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists.  This area of Bethlehem is growing dynamically and being close to the Greenway and the D and L Trail, we need to make sure pedestrians and cyclists feel welcome.” Boscola stated.

Lafayette College was approved for two grants to improve pedestrian safety around its campus located in the College Hill section of the City of Easton and to provide funding for its Easton Connections project to allow the College to complete a planning study to evaluate opportunities to better connect its campus to significant local features in the City of Easton.

The Borough of Hellertown and Bethlehem Township were approved for funding through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program.  Hellertown will receive $155,000 for additional improvements to its Dimmick Park and Bethlehem Township will receive $45,000 to complete rehabilitation in its Comer Park playground.

Funding for all five projects were approved Tuesday by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.  The Multimodal Transportation Fund was created as part of Act 89 to promote economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available throughout the Commonwealth.  Funding for the park and Easton Connection projects came from the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program, which uses revenue generated through Act 13 of 2012 that imposes an impact fee on the state’s unconventional natural gas wells.

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