Congressman Ryan Mackenzie Announces Opening of FY27 Community Project Funding Requests and Programmatic and Language Requests

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, representing the Greater Lehigh Valley (PA-07), announced the opening of the application process for Community Project Funding (CPF) and programmatic and language appropriations requests for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027.

“After securing over $12 million for local projects in FY 2026, we’re looking forward to once again delivering results for the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “The appropriations process gives us the opportunity to secure resources for projects that are important to the local community, and put tax dollars to work right here at home. This can mean a smaller cost burden for local municipalities and taxpayers, greater resources for important projects, and higher-quality services here at home.” 

Through the FY 2026 appropriations funding bills, Congressman Mackenzie secured over $12 million in community project funding, as well as additional programmatic funding. This included:

• $1.65 million to build a new fire house in Alburtis for the Lower Macungie Fire Department.
• $2.16 million to provide technology and radio upgrades to first responders in Carbon County.
• $2 million to support an upcoming expansion project at Lehigh Valley International Airport.
• Over $1 million for various infrastructure improvements. 

Community Project Funding allows Members of Congress to submit direct funding requests for specific local projects through the annual appropriations process. Each office is permitted to submit 20 projects for consideration.

To ensure timely review and submission, all requests (both CPF and programmatic and language requests) must be submitted to Congressman Mackenzie’s office no later than 5:00 PM ET on March 9th, 2026. 

Applicants should be prepared to submit detailed technical information about their CPF requests, as well as documentation demonstrating strong community support. Examples include letters of support from local officials (preferred), inclusion in planning documents, or resolutions passed by local governing bodies. CPF applications can be submitted here. All projects submitted to the House Appropriations Committee will be publicly disclosed on the Congressman’s website. 

Criteria for consideration for CPFs include:

• Federal Nexus: All projects must be eligible under an existing federal program. Each application must include a statement explaining how the project meets this requirement.
• Community Support: Demonstrated support from the community is critical for a competitive application. Letters of support are preferred by the House Appropriations Committee.
• One-Year Funding: Each request must be for Fiscal Year 2027 funding only. For projects that are part of a larger effort, the FY27 request must fund a clearly defined phase.
• Eligibility Restrictions: For-profit entities are not eligible recipients. Eligibility for non-profit organizations depends on the specific subcommittee requirements. Museums, commemoratives, and memorials are not eligible for funding.
• Submission Process: Please submit your application only once it is complete. If you need to add or revise materials after submission, contact our office—do not submit a second application.

Please see the House Appropriations Committee website for both general CPF guidance and the specific requirements for each subcommittee to which CPF requests can be submitted. A list of Congressman Mackenzie’s selected FY 26 funded projects is available here.

Additionally, Congressman Mackenzie is accepting applications for programmatic and language requests for the FY27 appropriations legislation.

Program Request: a request to fund a specific program or activity in the bill at a specified level. For example, Congressman Mackenzie successfully advocated for $47 million in programmatic funding in FY26 to facilitate the continued manufacturing of Mack Defense Heavy Dump Trucks in the Lehigh Valley. 

Language Request: a request to include specific bill or report language that does not direct funding to a particular entity but encourages, urges, or directs some type of action. Example: Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies – The Committee directs the Secretary to expand eligibility for grants under SAMHSA Prevention Programs of Regional and National Significance and corresponding services provided by the Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies to private, non-profit, regional organizations, including faith-based organizations.

Programmatic and language requests can be submitted here. As with CPF requests, please see the House Appropriations Committee website for both general programmatic and language guidance and the specific requirements for each subcommittee to which these requests can be submitted.

For more information on eligible accounts, application requirements, and deadlines, residents are invited to call the Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-6411 or reach out to PA07RMAppropriationsRequests@mail.house.gov

To help applicants navigate the process, Congressman Mackenzie’s office will host a webinar on Monday, March 2, at 1:00 PM ET, featuring a demonstration for community members applying for Community Project Funding and programmatic/language appropriations requests. Register HERE.

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