Rep. Madden pleased to announce over $800K in Monroe County projects
Rep. Maureen E. Madden May 27, 2025 | 3:17 PM
HARRISBURG, May 27 -- State Rep. Maureen Madden announced that her community in Monroe County was awarded state grant funding through the Local Share Account to fund needed projects. LSA grants are funded by gaming revenue and may be used for economic and community development and other public interest projects within host and contiguous counties.
“It is crucial that we collaborate closely with local officials, nonprofits, and volunteer organizations to successfully secure these grants for community projects,” said Madden, D-Monroe. “Investing in our communities is vital—we must prioritize the safety of our residents while empowering local groups to grow and thrive.”
Madded said the projects are fully funded through a collaborative effort and highlighted the following grant awards allocated to Monroe County first responders/EMS personnel, historical restoration projects and transportation infrastructure upgrades:
$158,423 to Stroud Township on behalf of Stroud Township Volunteer Fire Department for the purchase of new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units. Stroud Township Volunteer Fire department has 24 SCBA units that are 14+ years old and will soon be three revision cycles out of compliance.
$161,462 to Monroe County Industrial Development Authority on behalf of Suburban Emergency Medical Services for an advanced paramedicine ambulance and equipment project. Suburban EMS is using their funds for the purchase of a new ambulance that would include a power lift and PowerPro Stretcher, making it easier for first responders to provide rapid response in emergency situations.
$50,000 to Smithfield Township for Bushkill Emergency Corps (BEC) patient and employee safety upgrades. BEC crews have a current weight threshold of 300-350lbs where manual stretchers weigh approximately 75lbs. This allows crews to safely lift patients who are 275lbs or less. By upgrading to power stretchers, the crew will be able to increase the weight threshold to 700lbs.
$130,115 to Monroe County Industrial Authority on behalf of the Stroudsburg Little Bethel Historical Association to renovate Little Bethel African American Methodist Episcopal Church. Stroudsburg’s Little Bethel African American Methodist Episcopal Church is a landmark structure in Monroe County’s historical landscape. SLBHA has made great strides to preserve and promote this building as a museum, lending library, and community space.
$200,000 to Monroe County Industrial Development Authority on behalf of the Monroe County Transportation Authority for MCTA transit facility improvements. MCTA plans to expand their facility to provide covered parking for the bus fleet, rehabilitate the maintenance garage, and renovate the operations areas to continue providing high quality service.
$164,238 to Middle Smithfield Township for the Wooddale Recreation Area and Road Department Expansion. The park developments will include parking lot for approximately 20 vehicles, a picnic pavilion, a new playground with ADA accessible equipment and a 0.5-mile walking trail. A new park will provide recreational opportunities to areas of Middle Smithfield township that currently have none nearby.
“I’m thrilled to announce the funding for these community projects,” Madden said. “Little Bethel Church plays such a huge role in the history of our community. Being able to allocate funding for maintenance and upkeep of the church means that it can still be a place for fellowship and community gatherings to this day. The annual Fish Fry in June is an example of the kind of gatherings we can have as a community. Funding for the EMS and fire companies is also crucial, as these people sacrifice so much to help keep our communities safe. It is time we give them the support they need to do their jobs well.”