Veronica PiscitelliThe Lehigh County Board of Commissioners announced a $121.8 million capital plan at a recent meeting, outlining its spending plan through 2030. Along with the capital spending, the commissioners also announced a bond issue of $83.4 million to further support the county’s future capital efforts.
The capital spending plan outlines more than 120 projects across the county, including funding allocations for county-owned facilities, resilient infrastructure, bridges and roads, corrections facilities and parks and recreation.
Among the largest priorities in the capital plan, the county-owned Cedarbrook Nursing Facility has plans for a $53.7 million renovation. The proposal for the next phase of renovations includes converting the B wing into apartments or personal care units, depending on market demand and regulatory approval. County officials anticipate the renovation will reduce the number of residents using communal bathrooms.
In the plan, $11.5 million would go towards building on the county’s commitment to protect over 29,000 acres of farmland. The funds would help preserve 2,000 additional acres. There is a strong demand for the construction, with more than 50 farms on the waitlist for preservation.
More than a dozen bridges across the county would be repaired, replaced or upgraded using $6.9 million in funding, according to plan documents. The projects include major work to the Hamilton Street Jordan Creek and Pine Street bridges.
Another key inclusion in the plan allocates $8.9 millionto improve the county’s jails. Improvements include window replacements ($6 million), major maintenance and security enhancements.
Lehigh County’s capital spending plan includes over $12 million for park improvements, open space acquisitions and trail expansion projects, specifically the D&L Trail ($6.7 million) and aspects of the Trexler Nature Preserve Master Plan.
Other projects outlined to receive funding include $1.7 million for upgrades at Coca-Cola Park and $6 million to modernize the county’s enterprise resource planning and information technology infrastructure.
Officials note that the spending is a roadmap not a guarantee of funding. Nothing is authorized to receive the funding only based on the preparation and adoption of the plan.The Lehigh County’s board of commissioners will vote on adopting the capital improvement plan at a meeting on Aug. 13.
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