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In this Update:

• Lehigh & Bucks Counties Receive $4.6 Million in Support for Local Infrastructure Projects
• Hearing Explores AI’s Impact on Pennsylvania’s Biotech Sector
• State Law Requires Removing Ice and Snow from Vehicles
• Celebrating National School Choice Week
• Recognizing Catholic Schools Week in PA
• DEP Recommends Testing Your Home for Radon

Lehigh & Bucks Counties Receive $4.6 Million in Support for Local Infrastructure Projects

I’m pleased to announce that Lehigh and Bucks counties will see significant improvements to local infrastructure thanks to more than $4.6 million in state grant funding. These projects will strengthen our roads, enhance pedestrian safety, and upgrade critical water and sewer systems. By supporting these projects, we’re ensuring our communities remain safe, accessible, and prepared for future growth.

The following projects received funding from the state Small Water and Sewer Program:

Lehigh County

• Macungie Borough Authority was awarded $348,239 for Phase II of the Buttonwood St. water main replacement project.

Bucks County

• Riegelsville Borough was awarded $238,653 for its public water supply emergency generator project.
• East Rockhill Township was awarded $210,000 for the refurbishment of its waste water treatment plant south aeration tank.
• Telford Borough Authority was awarded $389,114 for the county line road low pressure system grinder pumps purchase project.
• Springtown Water Authority was awarded $419,665 for improvements to its fire protection and water distribution systems.  

The following projects received funding from the state Multimodal Transportation Fund Program:

Lehigh County

• North Whitehall Township was awarded $462,027 to replace the Rockdale Road Bridge.
• Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority was awarded a $1.3 million state grant for the construction of a new parking garage connected to the Lehigh Valley International Airport.
• City of Allentown was awarded $800,000 for Phase II of the MLK Trail extension project.
• Lower Macungie Township was awarded $186,700 to construct pedestrian safety improvements along Brookside and Princeton Roads as well as $322,134 to install ADA ramp and curb improvements within three neighborhoods.

Hearing Explores AI’s Impact on Pennsylvania’s Biotech Sector

How Pennsylvania can become a leader in harnessing AI to improve lives, fuel the economy and build a sustainable future was the topic of a recent hearing by the Senate Communications and Technology Committee and the Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee.

In biotechnology, AI is accelerating research timelines, improving drug development, optimizing supply chains and expanding the frontiers of what’s possible in medical and agricultural science. Pennsylvania has roughly 3,000 life science companies with a $61 billion direct economic impact.

The hearing, held at Merck & Co. in Montgomery County, heard from representatives of Merck, Johnson & Johnson, the University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon University, a biotech nonprofit, a health care technology firm and a neuroscientist start-up, among others. You can view the hearing and read testimony here.

State Law Requires Removing Ice and Snow from Vehicles

It’s a chore, but removing ice or snow from your vehicle not only improves safety, it’s the law.

Under state law, drivers must remove ice or snow from vehicles, including the hood, trunk and roof, within 24 hours after a snow or ice event. It is also illegal to drive with snow and ice obstructing your vision through the front, side or rear windows.

It’s a $50 fine for failing to reasonably clear your vehicle and up to $1,500 if dislodged snow/ice causes serious injury or death. The fines were set under “Christine’s Law,” named for Christine Lambert, who died on Christmas Day 2005 when ice from a tractor trailer crashed through her windshield.

Celebrating National School Choice Week

The week of Jan. 25-31 is designated as National School Choice Week to recognize the importance of empowering parents and families to choose educational options that meet each student’s unique learning needs. School choice programs like the state’s popular Educational Improvement Tax Credit program – which was expanded this year to help more families in disadvantaged schools – are a key component of Pennsylvania’s efforts to ensure every student reaches their full potential.

Education is not a one-size-fits-all experience. National School Choice Week highlights how a broader range of educational options can boost student achievement and encourage competition and innovation in education.

Recognizing Catholic Schools Week in PA

Throughout Pennsylvania, Catholic schools deliver an outstanding education grounded in strong values and character, helping students develop confidence and strong leadership skills that strengthen our communities. Nearly 140,000 students are enrolled in Catholic schools throughout our commonwealth, and data show that 99% of Catholic school students graduate from high school and 96% go on to college after graduation.

Senate Republicans led efforts to designate Catholic Schools Week in Pennsylvania from Jan. 25 through 31 to recognize the key role these schools play in educating the next generation of leaders.

DEP Recommends Testing Your Home for Radon

Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking in the U.S. To help mark Radon Action Month, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging Pennsylvanians to test their homes for radon.

DEP recommends all homes, schools, public and private buildings get tested. Radon test kits are also available at many home improvement and hardware stores, as well as from state-certified radon laboratories. Call DEP’s Radon Division at 717-783-3594, or the Radon Hotline at 800-237-2366, for help with interpreting their test results and what follow-up action may be necessary. 

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