{"id":148304,"date":"2026-03-21T11:29:45","date_gmt":"2026-03-21T15:29:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=148304"},"modified":"2026-03-21T11:36:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T15:36:15","slug":"congressman-mackenzie-announces-3-7-million-investment-in-catasauqua-redevelopment-project","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=148304","title":{"rendered":"Congressman Mackenzie Announces $3.7 Million Investment in Catasauqua Redevelopment Project"},"content":{"rendered":"

(Photo credit: Office of U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie)<\/p>\n

Catasauqua, PA \u2014 Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, joined local officials and developers today to announce that he has successfully brought home $3.7 million to support a major redevelopment project in Catasauqua. The funding was secured by the Congressman as part of the recently passed Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations package.<\/p>\n

The project focuses on vacant riverfront land on Catasauqua\u2019s Front Street \u2014 once the home of the historic Crane Iron Company. First purchased by the Borough in 2013, the property has been at the center of longstanding plans to revitalize Catasauqua\u2019s main street. Once completed, the $75 million project will feature over 300 apartments, several dozen townhomes, and retail and commercial space. Federal funding for the project will be used to support the critical infrastructure needs of the project, including road widening, sewer line replacement, and the construction of a retaining wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs the Lehigh Valley continues to grow, we\u2019re making transformative investments to revitalize neighborhoods and meet the housing needs of our communities,\u201d\u00a0said Congressman Ryan Mackenzie. \u201cThe redevelopment of the Crane Iron Company site will help to provide the thriving main street that Catasauqua residents deserve, the new infrastructure that the Borough needs, and the hundreds of residential units that our growing region is counting on. Bringing resources home to support the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos is one of the most important parts of my job, and I\u2019m glad to have been able to follow through on my goal of revitalizing neighborhoods and increasing our local housing supply. Congratulations to the people of Catasauqua on this exciting project.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOn behalf of the entire team at VM Development Group, I\u2019d like to sincerely thank Congressman Mackenzie for his support and in the award of this important grant,\u201d\u00a0said Gretchen Rice, Partner at the VM Development Group.\u00a0\u201cThe Ironworks project represents a significant opportunity for economic revitalization in the Borough. This grant allows us to move forward with infrastructure improvements and site preparation for phase 1 that will unlock private investment and support long-term growth.\u201d<\/p>\n

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(Photo credit: Office of U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cThis federal funding is going to be a gamechanger here in Catasauqua \u2014 creating a brand new community that will be vibrant for many years to come,\u201d\u00a0said Catasauqua Borough Manager Glenn Eckhart.\u00a0\u201cThis project will provide over $1.5 million to the school district, borough, and county annually in the years to come. Thank you to Congressman Mackenzie for making this grant funding possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Through the FY 2026 appropriations process, Congressman Mackenzie has focused on supporting first responders, investing in critical infrastructure, and revitalizing our communities. The Congressman was able to bring home over $12 million in community project funding to support these goals, including:<\/p>\n