Allentown projects receive $10.5 million in state RACP grants

ALLENTOWN, Dec. 7 – Three projects within the city of Allentown have been awarded funding through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, totaling $10.5 million, according to state Reps. Peter Schweyer and Mike Schlossberg and state Sen. Pat Browne, who all secured the funding.

“These organizations provide valuable services to our area, from increasing access to affordable housing to expanding educational programs and activities for children,” Schweyer said. “I am pleased to see the state recognize the important work of these organizations and the tremendous services they provide to our community.”

The three projects received a combined total of $10.5 million in funding. The DaVinci Science Center was awarded $8 million to construct a new Science Center equipped with state of the art interactive exhibits and STEAM-equipped labs and workshop spaces.

The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs organization was awarded $2 million for expanding the clubhouse, locker rooms, training facilities, parking and other amenities at Coca-Cola Park. Additionally, The Little Lehigh Housing Development was awarded $500,000 for the demolition of nine buildings and the construction of five new buildings to be used as affordable housing.

“These three projects are so important for Allentown with affordable housing, STEM education and the quality of life for our region,” Schlossberg said. “I am thrilled to see Governor Wolf approve these projects to benefit our region.”   

“These are three very important projects representing significant quality-of-life enhancements for the residents of Allentown and our region,” Browne said. “These additional state resources will allow for these local organizations to achieve significant progress in accomplishing the goals of improved access to quality, affordable housing and STEAM education.”

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects.

RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity.