The City of Allentown will receive more than $3.2 million in Pennsylvania Municipal Liquid Fuels Funds this year. It is part of nearly $489 million announced Wednesday by Governor Tom Wolf. The total represents a $22.8 million, or 4.9 percent, increase over the $466.2 million distributed across the state in 2017.

Liquid fuels allocations are annual payments made on March 1 to municipalities to help pay for expenses such as snow removal and road repaving. The formula for payments is based on a municipality's population and miles of locally-owned roads. Municipalities must submit reports on their use of the previous year's allocations and other information to the commonwealth to be eligible to receive liquid fuels payments.

Allentown’s allocation is approximately $55,000 more than had been anticipated last fall.

Allentown uses the funds to cover the costs of personnel, equipment, equipment rentals, maintenance supplies, chemicals, contracts, and professional services fees associated with road repair and maintenance projects. Various asphalt mixes and rock salt and calcium are among the maintenance supplies and chemicals purchased by the city with liquid fuels monies.

Liquid Fuels is one of the special funds contained in the overall city budget. The fund’s mission is to provide roadways for the efficient and safe travel of individuals and cargo throughout the community.

The city received nearly $2.975 million in Liquid Fuels Funds in 2017.

To continue to receive Liquid Fuels funds, a road must be maintained in such a condition that it can be driven safely at 15 mph.

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