Samuelson, McNeill work to bring more than $108,000 back to Bethlehem

HARRISBURG, Jan. 16 – A $108,650 state grant awarded today will allow the city of Bethlehem to update its recreation plan, announced state Reps. Steve Samuelson and Jeanne McNeill.

“We are fortunate that Bethlehem has a robust park system with 34 locations throughout the city. This grant will help to guide the city as it plans improvements to the recreational facilities so that everyone can continue to enjoy time outdoors,” said Samuelson, D-Northampton. “I was glad to work with Representative Jeanne McNeill and Senator Lisa Boscola on securing this funding and I thank the Commonwealth Financing Authority for approving the grant for the city of Bethlehem.”

Samuelson said the grant was provided through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program, which funds projects that involve development, rehabilitation and improvements to public parks, recreation areas, greenways, trails and river conservation. Grants can be awarded for up to $250,000 for any project. A 15% match of the total project cost is required.

The CFA is an independent state agency that oversees the distribution of Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages to support public projects.

Today’s grants were awarded through the Marcellus Legacy Fund, which was created by Act 13 of 2012 to provide for the distribution of unconventional gas well impact fees to counties, municipalities and commonwealth agencies.