Several communities received grants to help fund various projects throughout the region.

On Wednesday, state Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, and Sen. David Argall, R-Carbon/Schuylkill/Luzerne, announced more than $1.9 million in fund awards.

“I am glad to see this funding awarded to Carbon County,” Heffley said. “This money helps to fund important needs that will enhance public safety and support critical community infrastructure and capital projects.”

“I am pleased to see these highly competitive funds coming back to our local communities, improving public safety and public services for local residents,” Argall said.

The funding was awarded through the Local Share Account statewide program, which distributes gaming revenue to projects that support community and economic development.

It was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, an independent agency of the state Department of Community and Economic Development, which administers many of Pennsylvania’s economic development and community improvement programs.

Projects that received funding include:

• Banks Township was awarded $118,930 on behalf of the McAdoo Fire Company to install a new roof, gutters and down spouting at the fire station.

• Beaver Meadows Borough was awarded $28,254 to purchase new radio equipment for the police department.

• East Side Borough was awarded $250,000 for the construction of a new borough building complex.

• Jim Thorpe Borough was awarded $200,000 to purchase new radio equipment for the police and fire departments.

• Kidder Township was awarded $100,000 on behalf of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania for improvements to Camp Mosey Wood.

• Lehighton Borough was awarded $85,000 to purchase new radio equipment for the police and fire departments.

• Nesquehoning Borough was awarded $75,000 for the purchase of new radio equipment for the police and fire departments, as well as $26,716 on behalf of the New Columbus Fire Company to replace the floor and make HVAC upgrades in the fire hall.

• Palmerton Borough was awarded $300,000 on behalf of the Aquashicola Volunteer Fire Company and Bowmanstown Volunteer Fire Company to purchase new radio equipment.

• Summit Hill Borough was awarded $40,000 on behalf of the Diligence Fire Company No. 1 to purchase new radio equipment.

• Summit Hill Water Authority was awarded $100,000 to replace a clear well in the borough.

• Weatherly Borough was awarded $459,838 to demolish the Schwab School Annex.

• Weissport Borough was awarded $133,225 to purchase a backhoe loader with attachments.

Schuylkill County

In neighboring Schuylkill County, which Argall also represents, over $3 million in projects were funded.

The awards will support water and sewer infrastructure, municipal equipment, blight redevelopment, community programming and emergency communications throughout Schuylkill County.

“Reliable water and sewer systems, safe roads and dependable emergency services are things our communities rely on every day,” Rep. Tim Twardzik, R-Schuylkill, said. “This funding will help address long-standing needs, replace aging equipment and make important improvements that our neighbors will see and benefit from for years to come.”

“I’m proud to have partnered with Sen. Argall to get this funding back to our district,” Rep. Jamie Barton said. “This funding is going towards improving infrastructure and helping our first responders, which will benefit everyone who lives, works and travels through our communities.”

Projects include:

• Ashland Area Municipal Authority: $275,000 for the Water Service Meter Replacement Project.

• Branch Township: $82,645 for a mini excavator.

• East Brunswick Township was awarded $58,200 to purchase a parcel of property adjacent to the township park to expand recreation facilities.

• East Norwegian Township: $115,795 for a new dump truck.

• Greater Pottsville Area Sewer Authority: $500,000 for the Mahantongo Street Sewer project.

• Pottsville Area Development Corporation: $345,000 for blight redevelopment, including the acquisition of two blighted buildings at 106 N. Centre Street and 376 S. Centre St.

• Pottsville City Redevelopment Authority: $100,000 for the Schuylkill YMCA Expansion at Alvernia University Pottsville CollegeTowne.

• Plum Creek Municipal Authority was awarded $400,000 to replace a water main located in Wayne and South Manheim townships that services Lake Wynonah to address severe water loss.

• Ryan Township was awarded $27,061 on behalf of the Ryan Township Emergency Rescue Squad to purchase an inflatable water rescue boat.

• Saint Clair Sewer Authority: $250,000 for the East Mine Pump Station Replacement.

• Schuylkill County: $200,000 for Schuylkill 911 Site Development to create a fully integrated IP-based network connection.

• South Manheim Township was awarded $315,250 to purchase a wheeled excavator.

• Walker Township was awarded $200,500 for municipal building improvements.

• West Mahanoy Township: $83,512 for a dump truck purchase.

• West Penn Township was awarded $35,145 for three vehicle-mounted cameras for police vehicles.