Rep. Bob Freeman

Earlier today I was happy to join Mayor Panto, Jared Mast from GEDP, and representatives from DCNR and PennDOT for a press conference announcing a $765,000 grant award from the statewide Transportation Alternative Set-Aside (TASA) grant for the Highline trail project in Easton! This is great news for this great project since it provides enough funding, along with a previously awarded grant from DCNR, to fully fund the acquisition costs for this project. I’m glad I was able to help secure this TASA grant after speaking with Secretary of PennDOT Mike Carroll, who was a former House colleague of mine. I spoke over the phone with him and advocated for the funds for this project. Thankfully, he saw the merit of this proposal and gave his support. The Highline project will be an outstanding addition to the Easton scene, providing an opportunity to link downtown Easton with surrounding communities by bike and pedestrian trails. I will continue to do what I can to support this great project!

On Saturday I attended Hellertown-Lower Saucon Heritage Day, with the event taking place at both the Heller-Wagner Grist Mill and the Michael Heller Homestead. It was a great day to learn more about Saucon Valley’s history, and the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Heritage Group put together a great day with living history exhibits, historical presentations, activities for the children, and more. I had the opportunity to make some remarks at the event, and I touched on how important it is to have community events like this that touch on the foundation of the rich history and heritage of Hellertown and Lower Saucon. Let us never forget that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before- who shaped our world as they formed the world in which they lived. Thanks again to the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Heritage Group for putting together a wonderful and educational day.