HELLERTOWN, Pa. — The borough is after $618,464 in state gaming revenue to build a footbridge and path connecting the Saucon Rail Trail to Tumminello Park.
Borough Council last week approved the application with a unanimous vote. Council President Thomas Rieger was absent.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority issues the Local Share Account funding, as provided through the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act. This money is set aside for projects that are both “in the public interest” and may “improve the quality of life of citizens in the community,” the state Department of Community & Economic Development website reads.
No local match is required unless the grant isn’t awarded in full, according to Borough Manager Cathy Hartranft.
Last year, neighboring Lower Saucon Township was approved to use over $500,000 in LSA funding to cover a major ballpark redevelopment on Easton Road.
A 'passive park-trail'
Sitting at the lower end of town just across from Hellertown Diner, Tumminello Park acts as a “passive park-trail,” according to the borough website. It’s one of eight parks in Hellertown.
The nearby Saucon Rail Trail runs over seven miles, from Bachman Street in Hellertown down to East Station Avenue in Coopersburg. It was once part of the old North Pennsylvania Railroad, which was first constructed in 1855.
Visitors of the trail can walk, run or bike. You’ll have to keep the horse at home, though.
The Saucon Rail Trail Oversight Commission next meets at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23, at the Hellertown Borough municipal building, 685 Main St.
