Why It Matters
Congress is actively distributing billions in appropriations for local projects, and Pennsylvania’s delegation has demonstrated bipartisan commitment to securing federal dollars for regional transportation needs. The Borough of Stroudsburg, Pa. is pursuing federal highway infrastructure funding
A first-time federal lobbying entrant in 2025, Stroudsburg refined its strategy via an amended registration, narrowing its team to two specialists: Dane Higbee and Darren J. Asper. The borough’s efforts target the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for 2026.
Timing is urgent: the Highway Trust Fund faces depletion by 2028, and state and local governments carry a $105 billion deferred maintenance backlog. Stroudsburg competes directly with other Pennsylvania municipalities represented by the same firm—including Greene County and Lycoming County—for a finite pool of federal grant and Community Project Funding.
By the Numbers
Stroudsburg engaged Delta Development Group Inc., which has represented 50 clients since 2003, primarily Pennsylvania municipalities seeking federal appropriations. An amended registration narrowed the active lobbying team to two advocates:
- Dane Higbee focuses on USDA Rural Development grants and Congressional Directed Spending, with past clients including the Borough of Hanover, Clarion County, and Butler County.
- Darren J. Asper brings over two decades of municipal lobbying experience. His longest-standing client, the Lycoming County Planning and Community Development Department, generated 39 disclosures over 16 years. He also represented Greene County for nearly two decades on water infrastructure and broadband grants.
Neither lobbyist has prior congressional staff experience, but both possess deep knowledge of federal grant-making at DOT, HUD, EPA, and USDA.
The Agenda
Stroudsburg is lobbying on Highway Infrastructure Projects, Budget/Appropriations, Housing, Transportation, and Urban Development/Municipalities. Key legislation includes the Transportation, HUD Appropriations Act for 2026 (S. 2465) and House counterpart H.R. 4552, the Complete Streets Act of 2025 (H.R. 3712), the Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act (H.R. 2011), and the Highway Funding Flexibility Act of 2025 (H.R. 3972). Activities include direct outreach to Pennsylvania’s federal delegation and meetings with congressional offices on appropriations opportunities.
Broader Context
Congress is distributing nearly $15.5 billion across 8,000+ projects through the FY2026 transportation appropriations bill. Pennsylvania’s delegation—on both sides of the aisle—has been aggressive: Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) secured $6.8 million in Community Project Funding, while Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA-9) announced $1.25 million for Lycoming County. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held member advocacy day hearings on May 14, 2025, signaling active committee engagement. Federal emphasis on Complete Streets initiatives aligns with Stroudsburg’s "Transforming Main Street" priorities, positioning the borough competitively for available dollars.
Between The Lines
Federal gas tax revenues have stagnated since 1993, intensifying competition for limited appropriations among municipalities nationwide. Stroudsburg’s highway infrastructure proposals align with shifting federal priorities toward multimodal transportation safety—a positioning advantage in the current funding environment.
Competitive Landscape
Delta Development Group represents several Pennsylvania clients pursuing similar funding, including Greene County, Lycoming County, Township of Cranberry, and the City of Williamsport. Success ultimately depends on project strength and administrative readiness—not lobbying firm selection alone.
The Bottom Line
Stroudsburg is making its first federal lobbying push through Delta Development Group, with lobbyists Higbee and Asper working a favorable but crowded landscape. Pennsylvania’s delegation has announced over $1 billion in recent federal infrastructure resources. But the competition is fierce and the clock is ticking.
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