Schuylkill Haven Borough has been awarded a $40,000 state grant to advance its ongoing downtown revitalization efforts, state lawmakers announced this week.
Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-123) and Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) said the funding will be used to improve walkability in the borough by creating safer and more convenient routes linking neighborhoods, schools, and parks. Borough officials plan to hold public meetings to gather input from residents as the project develops.
Mandy Fitzpatrick, executive director of Schuylkill Connects, played a key role in securing the funding and emphasized the benefits of a walkable community.
“A people-first approach to community improvement will reap many benefits not only for residents of Schuylkill Haven, but also businesses and visitors,” Fitzpatrick said. “Measures to create safe, walk- and bike-friendly and accessible communities improve quality of life and public health. Active transportation plans and policies make the healthy choice the easy choice.”
Twardzik highlighted the broader impact on the community.
“Investing in walkable, connected communities supports better health, safer streets and a stronger local economy,” he said. “This funding will help Schuylkill Haven enhance its downtown while connecting their beautiful parks and recreation areas. Encouraging locals and visitors to trek the town is certainly a step in the right direction.”
Argall also pointed to the importance of community involvement in the project.
“We’ve seen in communities like Jim Thorpe how dedicated volunteers can create transformative changes by working together,” Argall said. “This is a key piece of local efforts by the Southern Schuylkill Unified Committee for Economic Revitalization, an umbrella organization of municipalities, businesses and other stakeholders working to bring new opportunities to the region.”
The grant was awarded through WalkWorks, a partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center that supports initiatives to promote walkable, healthy, and connected communities across the state.