Sen. Browne and Rep. Mackenzie Secure Infrastructure Funding for Alburtis and Macungie Projects

LEHIGH VALLEY, PA- Infrastructure projects in Alburtis and Macungie Boroughs have been awarded funding through the Multimodal Transportation Fund by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) at its meeting today (Friday, November 19), according to Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Senator Pat Browne (R-Lehigh) and Representative Ryan Mackenzie (R- Berks, Lehigh), who collaborated to secure the grants.

Alburtis Borough has been awarded $303,000 for the continuation of improvements to the Bicentennial Village neighborhood, which encompasses Lockridge Lane, Roberts Street and Second Street. Improvements will include the replacement of existing concrete sidewalks and vertical curbs, upgrades to meet current ADA standards, replacement of asphalt roadways and line restriping. Senator Browne and Representative Mackenzie had previously secured over $1,000,000 for the completion of the first two phases of this project.

"These funds mean a great deal to the Borough. We appreciate Senator Browne and Representative Mackenzie working to secure this support to make these necessary improvements," Sharon Trexler, Alburtis Borough Manager, said.

Macungie Borough has been awarded $250,000 to begin Phase VI of their ongoing Main Street Streetscape Improvement plan. The project aims to calm traffic and improve safety while providing a pedestrian-friendly downtown corridor along this heavily traveled route. This funding will help to enhance 1,200 linear feet of streetscape enhancements on the north side of Main Street from Mountain Creek Crossing to Chestnut Street. Improvements include enhanced lighting, new greenery and accessible sidewalks. The project also incorporates stormwater management features that include storm piping along the curb, inlets, and subsurface drain outlets.

"Those of us on Council in support of the Streetscape Improvements thank Senator Pat Browne and Representative Ryan Mackenzie for this Phase 6 funding," John Yerman, Macungie Borough Council President, said. "It will hopefully allow us to extend the improvements to Poplar St. on the northbound side of Main Street."

Browne and Mackenzie have previously collaborated to secure state funding for Macungie's Main Street improvements, including Multimodal funding for the completion of phases III, IV and V of the streetscape program.

"It is no secret the challenges that Boroughs like Macungie and Alburtis Boroughs face to ensure a safe and reliable infrastructure network that meets the modern needs of its residents," Sen. Browne said. "I am pleased to have collaborated with Rep. Mackenzie to secure these funds for Alburtis and Macungie, which will serve to provide safer roads and improved access."

"I am glad to have worked with Senator Browne to secure this funding for Alburtis and Macungie Boroughs," Rep. Mackenzie said. "These projects will improve the quality of life for individuals living in and visiting Alburtis and Macungie. Enhancing the safety for all pedestrians moving around our community is of the utmost importance."

Across the Commonwealth, local government budgets have struggled to accommodate the growing demands placed upon their local infrastructure networks. These issues have been compounded due to budgetary and operational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CFA was established as an independent agency of the Commonwealth to administer Pennsylvania's economic stimulus packages. The CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania's economic growth.

The CFA awards the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development's Multimodal Transportation Fund grants, which aim to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the Commonwealth.

Contact: Matt Szuchyt (Sen. Browne) 610-821-8468, [email protected]

Paige Riegner (Rep. Mackenzie) 610-965-9933, [email protected]

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