Legislators announce grants for several projects in Luzerne County
Feb. 24—WILKES-BARRE — A streetscape improvement is coming to the 121st Legislative District, thanks to $200,000 in new grant funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority, state Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski announced on Monday.
The grant is one of several announced by local state legislators.
The Wilkes-Barre grant provides funding for streetscape improvements along North Main Street.
"Restoration and improvement to our roads and sidewalk helps to provide more accessibility to everyone in the community," said Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre. "Streetscape design improvements enable pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders and motorists to share and use the street, accommodating the needs of all users. Not only that, but it often makes the local environment more inviting, healthy, enjoyable, safe and interesting. I was proud to work to bring this funding and these improvements back to the community."
Sen. Baker, Rep. Pugh announce funding for traffic improvement projects
Rep. Brenda Pugh, R-Dallas Township, and Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, announced that Courtdale and Exeter boroughs will receive a combined $500,000 through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Multimodal Transportation Fund.
Courtdale Borough will receive $400,000 to repave 16 roads in Courtdale Borough, and Wyoming Avenue Development Group, LLC will receive $100,000 for traffic flow and pedestrian safety upgrades for a blighted, vacant lot in Exeter Borough.
"Projects like those for Courtdale and Exeter boroughs address not only safety upgrades but also contribute to beautifying our district," said Pugh. "I fully support these projects and am anxious to see the improvements come to life."
"This money is a big help for allowing these communities to address critical needs. People who live along these roads and those who drive them every day will certainly appreciate the upgrades,' said Baker. "State funding pushes up the timetable for completing the projects and alleviates some of the pressure on municipal budgets. I commend local officials and residents for their advocacy."
Rep. Haddock secures $1M for road, pedestrian safety upgrades
Rep. Jim Haddock, D-Pittston Township, announced $1.07 million awarded for roadway projects in Avoca, Jenkins Township and Pittston Township.
"It's important that people have safe roads to drive on and cross as pedestrians and these projects will accomplish both of those goals," said Haddock. "Sen. Marty Flynn and I work in tandem to advocate that state funding is returned to our area and today's announcement is just the latest result of our efforts."
Approved were:
—Avoca Borough — $405,136 to make pedestrian safety upgrades to sections of McAlpine Street.
—Jenkins Township — $265,572 for roadway repairs to Chestnut and Walnut streets.
—Pittston Township — $400,000 to make pavement improvements to multiple roadways.
Rep. Ryncavage, Sen. Culver announce $700,000 for Wright Twp. traffic improvement project
Rep. Alec Ryncavage, R-Hanover Town ship, and Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver, R-Northumberland, announced that Wright Township will receive $700,000 through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Multimodal Transportation Fund.
Wright Township will use the funding for road repairs on Walden Drive.
"This award is the latest in a series of funding that the 119th Legislative District has received in recent months to improve the safety of our communities," Ryncavage said. "I will not stop fighting until all projects in our community are fully funded."
"Wright Township receiving this grant is welcome news," said Culver. "Moving forward, it is essential that we prioritize infrastructure investments like these, which directly address the needs of our local communities and ensure our roads are properly maintained for the future."
Rep. Walsh, Sen. Argall: State grants support revitalization of downtown White Haven; improve D&L Trail
Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, and Sen. Dave Argall, R-Pottsville, have announced that Phase one of a significant project to improve downtown White Haven and better connect the borough with the Delaware and Lehigh (D&L) Trail was awarded $350,000 in state funding.
Once completed, this project will improve the streetscape on Main Street and connect the D&L Trail at the northern and southern ends of the borough. Proposed work includes building a multi-use 8-foot-wide trail along the east side of Main Street, a gateway over Main Street, and a small plaza with a gathering area. Additional work would include reconstructing the sidewalks, curbing, and crosswalks and making other improvements to beautify the area.
Once completed, this new section of trail would fill a major missing gap in the D&L Trail's regional network.
"This grant is an important step forward in the revitalization of downtown White Haven," said Walsh. "By enhancing public spaces, improving accessibility and supporting local businesses, we are investing in the community's long-term prosperity. This project will not only beautify the area but also foster a stronger sense of pride and connection among residents. I look forward to its competition and seeing the positive impact it will have on White Haven's future."
"Local leaders in White Haven have worked tirelessly to breathe new life into their town, despite facing significant challenges," said Argall. "This funding is the next step in turning this dream into a reality. With their acceptance into the Blueprint Communities program, the opening of the new entrance to the D&L Trail from Lehigh Gorge State Park, and new train excursions from Jim Thorpe and other communities, I'm convinced the borough's best days are ahead!"
Rep. Watro, Sen. Argall: State grants awarded for local road projects
State funding totaling nearly $1 million for road projects in the Hazleton area and East Union Township, Schuylkill County, were awarded, according to Rep. Dane Watro, R-Hazleton, and Sen. David Argall, R-Pottsville.
The two lawmakers played a key role in securing the grants through the Department of Community and Economic Development's Multimodal Transportation Fund.
The grant awards are as follows:
—Hazleton Area School District — $850,000 for construction of an access road at its North Academic Campus in Hazle Township.
—East Union Township — $100,000 for connectivity improvements on multiple roads in the township.
"The Hazleton Area School District is looking to expand its core campus and meet the challenges of a growing student population. The new access road will greatly improve school busing logistics, vehicular pickup and drop-off by parents, and help to reduce street congestion," Watro said. "This project will also make it possible for the district to move forward with plans for a new school building, fieldhouse and other outdoor amenities. I wholeheartedly support these grant awards."
"This funding is a key piece of Hazleton Area School District's plans," said Argall. "Given the constant increase of enrolled students, this project will make the traffic flow of students, faculty, staff and parents safer. I'm grateful both projects received this highly competitive state support."
Rep. Walsh announces state grants for local road projects
State funding totaling nearly $435,000 for transportation infrastructure projects in the 117th Legislative District were awarded today, according to Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township.
The grant awards are as follows:
—Dallas Borough — $50,000 for a pedestrian safety improvement project.
—Nuangola Borough — $284,700 for a road reconstruction project along North End Road.
—Salem Township — $100,000 for a streetscape improvement project along Fowler Avenue.
"Once the work is done, the projects will help to enhance the safety of motorists and pedestrians alike," Walsh said.
This funding, through the CFA, was provided by the Multimodal Transportation Fund to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth.
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
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