Samuelson secures more than $497,000 in state funding for Bethlehem area

HARRISBURG, June 10 – State Rep. Steve Samuelson today announced nearly $500,000 in state grants he has secured for the Bethlehem area.

Grants approved today by the Commonwealth Financing Authority include:

  • Bethlehem Economic Development Corp. -- $400,000 to expand an existing revolving loan to help redevelop the former Bethlehem Steel General Office Building Annex on Third Street.
  • Bethlehem Township -- $63,771 to purchase a police vehicle and $33,585 for water rescue equipment for the Nancy Run Fire Co.

“There's the saying, 'Everything old is new again,' and that's exactly what is planned for the Bethlehem Steel's former general office building annex," Samuelson said. "This funding will support the redevelopment of the Steel Annex building, which is part of our region's history, and make it usable for new workers and businesses, enhancing the economic development of the South Side. This grant will be used for the project’s plaza. And since the funds will be part of a revolving loan fund, they can be used for future projects as well.

"The funding for Bethlehem Township will help our first responders safeguard our community. I am proud to have been able to bring this funding to our area," he said.

The grants are from the Gaming Local Share Account funds allocated for Northampton County and the contiguous counties to Monroe County through the Commonwealth Financing Authority.