Legislators announce $15.4M in grants for Luzerne County communities

State grant funding totaling $15,464,430 has been awarded for 85 projects in communities across Luzerne County, according to state Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, Sen. John R. Gordner, R-Berwick, Sen. John Yudichak, I-Swoyersville, and Sen. Dave Argall, R-Pottsville.

The legislators explained that the support was made available through the Local Share Account (LSA) for Luzerne County, which was established by the Commonwealth’s Gaming Act.

The LSA allocates a portion of slot machine operation fees and table game revenues to the host municipality and county of a licensed gaming facility.

The Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority and any municipality in Luzerne County are eligible for the LSA funding, for projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the community.

“I am pleased that the Commonwealth Financing Authority has made such a significant investment in these Luzerne County communities,” Gordner said. “The LSA grants will be utilized for a wide range of public safety and infrastructure projects to benefit the local residents.”

Yudichak added, “Today’s state investment in economic development, recreation, infrastructure and public safety will enhance the quality of life for our residents in Luzerne County while continuing to build upon our historic job creation gains in the region.”

Argall said, “I know that the competition for this funding is very competitive and I congratulate all of the successful applicants.”

The grants were approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) at the June 10, 2022, meeting in Harrisburg. The CFA was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus programs. The CFA reviews and evaluate applications based on cost, strategic importance, and impact.

The full list of approved LSA projects for Luzerne County can be found at — https://www.senatorbaker.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2022/06/local-share-account-luzerne.pdf.

Rep. Mullery announces over $2.8M

State funding totaling $2,802,445 has been awarded to help several area police and fire departments and continue blight remediation efforts in the region, state Rep. Gerald Mullery announced.

“This funding will help keep our communities safe, whether by allowing our police and fire departments to obtain the vehicles they need to respond to emergency situations, the demolition of a vacant and dangerous building, or by making critical storm water and drainage improvements” said Mulley, D-Newport Township. “These are the types of projects that are a win-win. They not only improve the quality of life in our region, but they also support our municipalities by providing the funding they need while keeping taxpayer costs low.”

Mullery said the funding was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through the Luzerne County Local Share Account Program for the following projects:

Nanticoke City

• $550,200 for the L.S. Bowl-a-Rama demolition project.

• $509,388 for the purchase of a ladder truck for the Nanticoke Fire Dept.

• $112,234 for the purchase of police vehicles.

Hanover Twp.

• $450,000 for Phase 4 of the Solomon’s Creek Interceptor Rehab Project.

• $276,566 for the construction of a new municipal fueling station.

Wright Twp.

• $250,000 for the Fox Run Road drainage and reclamation project.

Rice Twp.

• $190,715 for the purchase of two trucks for summer and winter maintenance.

Nuangola Borough

• $162,367 for the purchase of a backhoe.

White Haven Borough

• $116,880 for the purchase of police vehicles.

Slocum Twp.

• $111,650 for upgrades to the municipal park.

Dennison Twp.

• $72,445 for bridge improvements along Ice Lake Road.