BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The Lehigh Valley was awarded more than $3.5 million in state grants as part of a $79.4 million to expand recreation and community revitalization efforts across Pennsylvania.
“Every day, my administration is focused on getting stuff done for the good people of Pennsylvania — and we’re proud to support hundreds of projects across the commonwealth that not only enhance the quality of life for Pennsylvanians but also serve as a catalyst for economic growth,” said Gov. Josh Shapiro, in a news release.
“Investing in these projects — from improving our parks and trails to planting trees in our neighborhoods to increasing access to our rivers — attracts visitors to Pennsylvania, boosts local businesses, and strengthens our communities.”
State officials announced the awards on Tuesday. Part of the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnerships Program, funding is provided by the Keystone Fund, Environmental Stewardship Fund and federal sources. Grants will support a range of projects, from improving local parks to expanding trails and river access points, and creating more green space in local communities.
"Trees help combat urban heat and flooding, and their planting fosters a connection to nature."Cindy Adams Dunn, secretary of the DCNR.
“Trees help combat urban heat and flooding, and their planting fosters a connection to nature,” said Cindy Adams Dunn, secretary of the DCNR. “In Philadelphia alone, over $5 million in grants will support urban tree planting, park and playground improvements, trail development, and water access.
“These projects are part of broader efforts to prepare Fairmount Park and other sites for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.”
Lehigh County projects were awarded about $1.6 million, while Northampton County projects were awarded just more than $1.9 million, according to a list posted online.
Lehigh, Northampton county awards
The grants are earmarked for many different projects, including developing 25 new local parks, rehabilitating 85 existing parks, protecting more than 6,800 acres for recreation and habitat preservation, and $10 million to support trails, including nine projects aimed at addressing critical trail gaps, officials said in the release.
Awards were organized by county. Below, find the full list of awards, including projects being funded in Lehigh and Northampton counties.
In Lehigh County:
- Coopersburg Borough, $351,000: Payment toward the acquisition of approximately 7.9 acres along Locust Valley Road in Coopersburg and Upper Saucon Township for a new municipal park.
- Fountain Hill Borough, $28,200: Prepare a feasibility study for the rehabilitation of the Fountain Hill Community Pool in the borough.
- Lehigh County, $493,400: Further development of Cedar Creek Parkway West in South Whitehall Township. Work to include construction of access drives and pedestrian walkways, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
- Lehigh County Conservation District, $150,000: Restoration of approximately 1,500 feet of Little Lehigh Creek in the Lehigh Creek Parkway in Allentown. Work to include stream restoration; installation of fish habitat structures and riparian forest buffer; landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
- Lehigh County Conservation District, $82,800: Installation of approximately 7 acres of riparian forest buffers, 1 acre of lawn to habitat and 3 acres of post-planting establishment in the Delaware River Watershed. Work to include landowner outreach and engagement; watershed forestry plantings and post-planting establishment; project sign and other related site improvements.
- North Whitehall Township, $300,000: Rehabilitation and further development of Neffs Valley Park in North Whitehall Township. Work to include renovation of access drive, construction of parking area and pedestrian walkways, installation of pedestrian bridge and stormwater management measures, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
- Promise Neighborhoods of Lehigh Valley, $200,000: Coordinate and fund an Urban and Community Forestry workforce development program in Lehigh County.
In Northampton County:
- Bethlehem City, $500,000: Payment toward the acquisition of approximately 23.12 acres in Bethlehem to provide approximately 0.9 miles of trail for the development of South Bethlehem Greenway.
- Northampton County, $550,000: Rehabilitation of Bear Swamp Park in Upper Mount Bethel Township. Work to include construction of internal loop trail and boardwalk; installation of interpretive and wayfinding signage, ADA access, landscaping and project sign.
- Northampton County, $75,000: Prepare an update to the Comprehensive Recreation, Park and Open Space Plan for the county.
- Upper Mount Bethel Township, $600,000: Rehabilitation of Upper Mount Bethel Preserve in the township. Work to include renovation of trails, construction of pedestrian walkways, trails, boardwalks, overlooks, pavilion, parking area, access drive and stormwater management measures, installation of riparian buffers and interpretive signage, ADA access, landscaping and a project sign.
- Wildlands Conservancy, $185,000: Restoration of approximately 2.3 miles of the Bushkill Creek in Easton. Work to include dam removal; streambank stabilization; installation of riparian forest buffer; landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
