Freeman helps to secure $2.54 million in state grants
Rep. Robert L. Freeman September 15, 2026 | 11:43 AM
HARRISBURG, Sept. 15 – State Rep. Robert Freeman said pool improvements, emergency services upgrades and municipal projects will be funded thanks to $2.54 million in state grants awarded today by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
“These investments focus on reliable services and community spaces that people can enjoy on a regular basis. I am proud to work with partners on the state and local levels to support projects like these that have tangible impacts on our communities,” said Freeman.
Grant recipients in Freeman’s district include:
Easton City: $500,000 to repair the structure of the Heil Park Pool, replace the filtration system, and renovate the bathhouse to be ADA-compliant. A separate $50,000 grant will be used to purchase a vehicle barrier system to increase public safety at events such as the Easton Farmers' Market and annual festivals that draw large crowds.
Freemansburg Borough: $270,000 for Phase 5 construction of a new 14,000-square-foot Municipal Community and Cultural Center to be built at Gerald C. Yob Community Park, located at the intersection of Freemansburg Avenue and Cambria Street.
Greater Easton Development Partnership: $100,000 to purchase a truck, utility vehicles and composter attachment, a walk-behind sweeper, classic floor scrubber, lawn mower and trimmer package, autonomous mower and skid steer.
Hellertown Borough: $125,000 to update existing radios, purchase additional mobile radios, and install a base station radio to be used by the Hellertown Borough Police Department.
Lower Saucon Township: $100,000 to upgrade existing radio software and purchase new radio equipment so emergency responders can communicate with Northampton County efficiently due to new compatibility standards.
The Nurture Nature Center: $350,000 to transform a parking lot in Easton into a green space that encourages learning about sustainability and offers amenities to the local community.
Palmer Township: $50,000 to reconstruct the Palmer Bikeway, an essential part of the LINK Trail Network and 9/11 National Memorial Trail. A separate $200,000 grant will be used to replace an existing playground adjacent to the Palmer Township Chrin Community Center with a new inclusive play area with ADA-compliant playground equipment, shade features, seating and site improvements.
Palmer Township Municipal Fire Department: $250,000 to purchase radios needed to comply with a decision of Northampton County Council to create a county-wide standardized emergency radio system by first responders and public safety officials referred to as “Project P25.”
Suburban Emergency Medical Services: $226,000 to purchase an ambulance to be used in Northampton and Monroe counties.
West Easton Borough: $100,000 for sidewalk, curb and safety improvements along several streets, including Spring Street, 7th Street, the corner of 7th Street and East Street, and Keystone Avenue.
Williams Township: $70,000 toward the purchase of a backhoe.
Wilson Borough: $150,000 toward a project that will demolish the existing building and parking lot at 2017 Hay Terrace and construct a 2,400-square-foot pole barn to be used as an auxiliary building by the Wilson Borough Police Department.
Today’s grants were awarded through the Statewide Local Share Account Program which is administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority and funded through a portion of gaming tax revenue generated at Pennsylvania’s casinos.