BETHLEHEM, Pa. — U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie is encouraging Lehigh Valley governments, colleges, non-profits and other organizations to apply through his office for federal funding.
Congress has opened the application period for its Community Project Funding program. It lets lawmakers direct discretionary funding to specific projects in their states and districts.
In the past, the projects were known as earmarks.
"I’m looking forward to helping to secure important funding for some of our great local projects."U.S. Rep. RyanMackenzie, in a news release.
"Instead of leaving important local projects to compete nationally for limited grant dollars, this process gives us the ability to advocate for targeted investments that will improve lives right here in the Greater Lehigh Valley," Mackenzie, R-Lehigh Valley, said in a news release.
"I’m looking forward to helping to secure important funding for some of our great local projects."
Lawmakers are allowed to submit a limited number of projects for funding consideration in Fiscal Year 2026.
Only organizations already eligible for federal grants may apply; for-profit organizations are not eligible.
Ways to apply, and results
Successful applications must demonstrate strong community support. Mackenzie's office requested that applicants include letters, articles or other documentation showing a need or support for their project.
The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. May 1, but Mackenzie requested that applicants submit their entries early so his team could thoroughly review submissions.
Interested parties can call Mackenzie's Washington, D.C., office at 202)-225-6411 to learn about the process and deadlines. Online applications may be submitted on a or from Mackenzie's office.
Lehigh Valley organizations have collected millions of dollars in Community Project Funding in recent years.
"Congressman Mackenzie’s office wants to make sure that we are aware of all requests and that we are best prepared to secure the maximum possible benefit for our community."U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie spokesman Arnaud Armstrong
In Fiscal Year 2024, Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District received at least $12.8 million, according to a database maintained by the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
Those projects included $1 million for ArtsQuest, $500,000 for repairs to the Lock Ridge Furnace in Alburtis and $1.6 million for Glendon Hill Road Bridge Repairs in Easton.
'Maximum possible benefits'
The application period comes during a period of renewed focus on government spending. The Trump administration has slashed the size of the federal workforce and programs such as USAID.
Some members of Congress, including U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-Dauphin/Cumberland/York, have criticized Community Project Funding as pork and don't participate in the program.
Mackenzie spokesman Arnaud Armstrong was non-committal when asked if the congressman believes the Community Project Funding program should continue to exist moving forward.
"As we await details regarding the inclusion of Community Project Funding in future budgets, Congressman Mackenzie’s office wants to make sure that we are aware of all requests and that we are best prepared to secure the maximum possible benefit for our community," Armstrong said.
"The congressman will consider the entire legislative package if or when that comes before him in the House."
