2 days ago
Commissioners award almost $100,000 in Community Re-Invest grants
CLARKS SUMMIT — Lackawanna County grant funding will help defray the cost of a crosswalk safety initiative in Clarks Summit, a spay and neuter clinic in Scranton, and other projects and purchases planned by local municipalities and nonprofits.
Meeting Wednesday in Clarks Summit, Commissioners Bill Gaughan and Chris Chermak unanimously approved nearly $100,000 in grants through the county's popular Community Re-Invest Program, with 20 projects receiving grants in the first of two program funding rounds this year. The successful applicants, funding amounts and projects include:
• Blakely Borough Police Department: $5,000 to defray the $11,143 cost of purchasing a drone.
• Shopa-Davey VFW Post 6082, Blakely: $5,000 to defray the $8,900 cost of repairing/replacing the roofs of the post's storage and chicken barbecue buildings.
• Blakely Borough Community Ambulance Association: $4,350 to cover the cost of training equipment.
• Clarks Summit Borough: $4,958 to cover the cost of a crosswalk safety initiative.
• Abington Junior Comets Football Club: $5,000 to cover most of the $5,158 cost of concessions equipment and uniform upgrades.
• Covington Twp.: $5,000 to defray the $9,789 cost of painting the exterior of a new police station.
• American Legion Post 665, Dickson City: $5,000 to defray the $8,069 cost of a basement water project.
• Center for the Living City, Dunmore: $5,000 to defray the $24,000 cost of 'Lighting Up Scranton 2025,' with grant funding supporting equipment, marketing and artist payments.
• Elmhurst Twp. Sewer Authority: $5,000 to cover the cost of public restroom facilities accessibility upgrades.
• Madison Twp.: $5,000 to defray the $6,400 cost of a disabled ramp covering project at the Township Building.
• William Walker Hose Company, Mayfield: $5,000 to cover the cost of firefighting equipment.
• Mayfield Borough: $5,000 to cover the cost of municipal meeting room upgrades.
• Moscow Borough: $5,000 to cover the cost of a Golden Park fence-extension project.
• West Scranton Little League: $5,000 to cover the cost of new grass, lighting and seating at the Little League facilities.
• PAWsitively for the Animals, Scranton: $5,000 to cover most of the $5,600 cost of an operational savings and growth project, including the cost of purchasing a computer and other equipment, a pallet jack and holiday costumes for fundraising events.
• American Legion Post 568, Scranton: $5,000 to defray the $9,500 cost of a flat roof replacement project.
• West Scranton Wrestling Alumni Association: $5,000 to defray the $20,453 cost of installing two Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant lifts.
• St. Cats and Dogs of Scranton: $5,000 to defray the $20,000 cost of supplies for a spay/neuter clinic.
• United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Scranton: $5,000 to defray the $9,600 cost of food/clothing pantry improvements.
• South Abington Police Department: $5,000 to defray the $25,739 cost of Lexipol law enforcement policy and procedure manuals.
County Economic Development Director Kristin Magnotta said the 20 grant recipients were among 28 that applied. Those not awarded funding this round may apply again for funding during the second, she said.
Gaughan lauded the grant program.
Modest as the individual grants are, the money can be invaluable for organizations trying to close funding gaps and get projects over the finish line, he said.
