Reps. Jack Rader, R-Monroe, and Rosemary Brown, R-Monroe/Pike, along with State Sen. Mario Scavello announced the awarding of more than $1.5 million in state funding to assist with improvement projects and purchases in Monroe County. The grants were made available through the Monroe County Local Share Account, which is supported by gaming revenues.

The local grants include:

• Brodhead Creek Regional Authority – $288,926 for construction of a water storage tank to complement public water system improvements in Pocono Township.

• Lehigh Valley Health Network Hospital-Pocono – $272,422 for purchase of a new cardiac catherization system.

• Blakeslee Community Association – $231,870 for renovations to the Tobyhanna Township Community Center, including the rebuilding of the rear portion of the center, new HVAC system, community room and rest rooms.

• Polk Township Volunteer Fire Company – $20,615 to replace two air conditioning systems in the social hall, which is a designated emergency shelter.