Local legislators on Tuesday announced several casino-funded state grant awards that will impact the Lebanon County region.
“From upgrading infrastructure to improving educational centers for our children, these grants aim to improve the lives of district residents,” state Rep. Tom Jones (R-98) said in a release. “I am pleased our communities were awarded this much-needed funding.”
In a separate release, state Senator Chris Gebhard (R-48) announced state grants totaling more than $8.3 million that were awarded to the 48th District by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).
The first portion of grants were awarded through the CFA’s Local Share Account (LSA) Program, which funds projects concerning the public interest, community improvement and economic development using gaming money generated by casinos.
“Being able to purchase life-saving equipment and enhance recreational opportunities in Lebanon, Lancaster and Berks counties without using taxpayer money is a serious win,” Gebhard said in a statement. “Because of the gaming proceeds, important purchases to improve the lives of county residents won’t be delayed.”
Here is a list of grant awards directly impacting Lebanon County:
- Bethel Township, on behalf of Northern Lebanon Little League, received $25,000 to install a sprinkler system at Lions Park.
- Cleona Borough received $25,000 to purchase two MSA thermal imaging cameras and one Amkus Positive Pressure Ventilation Fan to help firefighters see through smoke and monitor a fire’s spread. The borough also received $65,000 to renovate the amphitheater and mini golf course at Cleona Community Park.
- Heidelberg Township, on behalf of the Schaefferstown Volunteer Fire Company, received $25,447 for new rescue equipment for use at vehicular crash sites.
- Jackson Township, on behalf of Keystone Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, received $33,927 to purchase and install a digital fire extinguisher training system and equipment.
- Lebanon city received $500,000 to renovate the Lebanon Fire Department Station 1 to accommodate male and female firefighters with renovations to bathroom facilities and sleeping quarters, as well as upgrades to lighting, windows, the sewer system, and HVAC system
- Lebanon County, on behalf of Lebanon Valley Rails to Trails, received $90,114 to purchase a small dump truck and trailer to maintain the trail system.
- Lebanon Valley Economic Development Corp., on behalf of the WEPA Empowerment Center, received $400,000 to rehabilitate its bilingual community-based workforce development center at 9 S. Ninth St., Lebanon. The project includes demolition of sections of the building, construction of a new rear addition, roof repairs and installation of an ADA-compliant elevator.
- Millcreek Township, on behalf of Newmanstown Volunteer Fire Company, received $25,000 to purchase upgraded tools including a power cutter and lock-angle grinder for the fire station.
- Myerstown Borough, on behalf of Keystone Hook & Ladder Company No. 1, received $25,000 to purchase firefighting and rescue equipment.
- North Annville Township, on behalf of the Bellegrove Fire Company, received $25,250 to repave the parking lot for the department’s social hall.
- North Cornwall Township, on behalf of Neversink Fire Company, received $45,921, to upgrade the fire station. It also received $25,000 to purchase a 2024 patrol vehicle.
- North Lebanon Township received $300,000 to replace a structurally deficient, 315-foot retaining wall along Jay Street, repaving around the area and installation of protective fencing.
- Richland Borough, on behalf of Neptune Fire Company, received $25,373 to retrofit its pumper truck.
- South Londonderry Township received $400,000 to replace and rehabilitate the sanitary sewer system under Timber Road and Timber Lane.
- Swatara Township, on behalf of Bunker Hill Fire Company, received $25,194 to purchase a new hose, a thermal imaging camera and other equipment to outfit a fire truck.
- West Cornwall Township received $87,000 to purchase required battery-powered fire and rescue equipment for the fire department.
- West Lebanon Township received $58,832 for the purchase and installation of fencing, a pickleball court and a gaga ball pit at the recreation park on Lehman Street.
- Union Township received $69,514 to replace a culvert and associate guiderail along Campmeeting Road.
- South Lebanon Township received $227,000 to add two sets of tennis courts and six pickleball courts at South Hills Memorial Park.
An additional grant was awarded through the CFA’s Public School Facilities Improvement Grant Program, which provides grants to public school districts and area career and technical schools for eligible facility improvement projects. That program awarded $1.5 million to Eastern Lebanon County School District for a roof repair project at ELCO Middle School in Jackson Township, where leaks have caused interior ceiling, wall and floor damage.
“It was my pleasure to support these grants, which will cover a significant portion of the total project costs and enhance the safety and well-being of the residents of our communities,” state Rep. John Schlegel (R-101) said in a separate statement.
All projects were funded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority, which is an independent agency of the state Department of Community and Economic Development that administers many of Pennsylvania’s economic development and community improvement programs, the release explains.
“I ensured when Pennsylvania’s gaming laws were rewritten in 2017 that Lebanon County would continuously and directly benefit, as that was my No. 1 priority for my friends and neighbors,” state Rep. Russ Diamond (R-102) said in a release. “These worthwhile projects will improve the quality of life in Lebanon County in ways both big and small. They’ll have significant impacts in our communities.”
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