State Senator John Yudichak (D - Luzerne/Carbon) and Representative Doyle Hefley (R - Carbon) today announced that 13 Carbon County projects will receive $848,000 in state grants through the Monroe County Local Share Account.

"Investments in community development, economic development, and our public safety infrastructure improve the quality of life for every Carbon County resident," said Yudichak.

Senator Yudichak and Representative Doyle Heffley worked together to secure funding for local communities.

"I am pleased that the state is investing in the development of Carbon County and our regional economy with these critical grant dollars," Heffley said. "This funding will support a variety of community improvement projects that will enhance our infrastructure, public safety and overall quality of life."

Bowmanstown Borough will receive funding for two projects. Funds will be used to construct a second access road to the Meadowcrest subdivision region of the borough and also for the purchase of a brush fire truck.

"We are ecstatic to receive this much needed funding," said Bowmanstown Borough Treasurer and Assistant Secretary Tara Takerer. "This will improve the safety for the residents that live within the Meadowcrest community by giving first responders a second access road that will improve their response time. It will also give our residents a more direct route to the major highways in the area and direct access to downtown, which would keep the small local proprietorships in business."

Summit Hill Borough will receive funding to make building improvements to the Summit Hill Heritage Center, which houses the borough's food pantry and hosts many different community events.

"It's great that we're receiving this money to help get the building in better shape," said Summit Hill Borough Council President Michael Kokinda. "The Heritage Center hosts a lot of important events and is the driving force behind the cultural aspect of our community."

Beaver Meadows Borough has obtained funds for two projects as well. The funding will be used to replace its deteriorating sewage main, which is hampering the community from further development. Funds will also be used for the purchase of a SUV police cruiser.

"The Borough is truly grateful to have received these grants and appreciate all of the hard work of everyone involved," said Beaver Meadows Borough Council President Anthony Rusnock. "The Broad Street sewer replacement project will help reduce ground water infiltration into our sanitary sewer system and the new cruiser will greatly improve the safety of our residents and officers."

The following projects in Carbon County in the 14th Senatorial District were approved for funding this afternoon:

- Bowmanstown Borough will receive $215,000 to provide a second access road for emergency vehicles between the Meadowcrest subdivision and the rest of the borough.

- Summit Hill Borough will receive $100,000 at the request of the Summit Hill Heritage Center. The funding will help with building improvements and repairs in order to bring the building up to code.

- Beaver Meadows Borough will receive $78,000 to replace the current deteriorating sewer main, which will also allow for further development of the borough.

- Bowmanstown Borough will receive $78,000 on behalf of the Bowmanstown Fire Department to replace its outdated brush truck.

- Lansford Borough will receive $58,000 at the request of the American Fire Co. No. 1. The funding will be used for the purchase of a generator and exhaust removal system that will enhance safety within the building.

- Blue Mountain Health System will receive $50,000 at the request of the Carbon County Redevelopment Authority for the purchase and installation of a new diesel powered generator to ensure patient safety during a power outage.

- Carbon County will receive $50,000 to replace outdated electrical panels and fire alarm equipment at the Carbon County Railroad Station/Visitor's Center.

- Kidder Township will receive $50,000 at the request of the Albrightsville Fire Company. The funding will upgrade the Self Contained Breathing Apparatus equipment.

- Weatherly Borough will receive $43,000 for the purchase of a police vehicle that will assist in the continued safety of the community.

- Beaver Meadows Borough will receive $38,000 for the purchase of a SUV police cruiser that will assist in the continued safety of the community.

- Banks Township will receive $37,000 for a snow removal truck that will help with community safety.

- Jim Thorpe Borough will receive $36,000 for the purchase of a police cruiser that will assist in the continued safety of the community.

- Packer Township will receive $15,000 to make improvements to their community park, including the purchase of playground and picnic equipment.