State Senator Marty Flynn and State Representative Jim Haddock Appalled by Waste of Fish During Ford’s Lake Draining

State Senator Marty Flynn and State Representative Jim Haddock Appalled by Waste of Fish During Ford’s Lake Draining

October 16, 2026

LACKAWANNA COUNTY, PA – October 16, 2026 − State Senator Marty Flynn (D-22) and State Representative Jim Haddock (D-118) issued the following joint statement regarding the significant loss of fish during the draining of Ford’s Lake in Newton Township as part of a $3.1 million dam rehabilitation project:

“We are sickened and appalled by the sheer number of fish that have been lost during the draining of Ford’s Lake in Lackawanna County. What has happened is unacceptable, and we share the frustration and outrage of the sportsmen and women who have witnessed this firsthand.The $3.1 million dam rehabilitation project is necessary to protect public safety, and we support making these improvements. However, protecting the dam should not come at the expense of such a devastating loss of fish.

At the August 18 public meeting, which Representative Haddock attended, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission acknowledged that some fish would be lost during the draining and relocation process. While some loss was expected, the Commission’s presentation did not prepare residents or elected officials for the scale of what has occurred. The Commission outlined plans to relocate fish and lifted fishing size and creel limits to help reduce the population before the lake was drained. We understand that 10 stocking truckloads of fish were successfully transported during this process. However, the sheer volume of fish that were lost despite these efforts is disturbing. We believe a more proactive approach could and should have been taken to minimize this loss.

We are calling on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to provide a full accounting of the fish salvage operation, including how many fish were successfully relocated, how many were lost and what decisions led to this outcome. We also intend to bring these concerns directly to the Commission’s Board of Commissioners and demand answers about what could have been done differently. As elected officials, we have a responsibility to hold state agencies accountable. We will continue asking the difficult questions and pushing for answers. The people who have enjoyed fishing at Ford’s Lake for generations deserve nothing less. Public safety improvements are necessary, but the scale of this loss cannot be dismissed as an unfortunate consequence of construction. We expect answers, accountability and a better approach to protecting Pennsylvania’s fisheries moving forward.”

State Senator Marty Flynn Calls for Immediate Legislative Action on Skill Games Following Supreme Court Deadline

State Senator Marty Flynn Calls for Immediate Legislative Action on Skill Games Following Supreme Court Deadline

October 13, 2026

SCRANTON, PA – October 13, 2026 − State Senator Marty Flynn (D-22) expressed concern today as Pennsylvania reaches the end of the 120-day period established by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for the continued operation of skill games, without the General Assembly reaching a bipartisan agreement on legislation to regulate and tax the machines.

On June 15, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that skill games fall under the definition of slot machines in Pennsylvania’s Gaming Act. The court delayed enforcement of its decision for 120 days, giving lawmakers an opportunity to address the issue. With that period ending today, businesses operating these machines without the required gaming licenses face enforcement beginning October 14.

“It is unfortunate that we were unable to come together on a bipartisan solution before this deadline,” said Senator Flynn. “I have supported efforts to keep skill games operating legally because I recognize what they mean to small businesses across Pennsylvania. For many of these establishments, the additional revenue helps pay employees, cover operating expenses, and keep their doors open. Unfortunately, we have reached a point where those businesses are now facing the loss of that income.”

Senator Marty Flynn is a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1079, bipartisan legislation introduced to establish a regulatory and licensing framework for skill games in Pennsylvania. The legislation would allow qualifying businesses to continue operating the machines legally while establishing oversight and generating additional revenue for the Commonwealth.

“I have always believed there is a way to support our small businesses while making sure these machines are properly regulated and taxed,” Senator Flynn continued. “We are talking about an industry worth approximately $1 billion annually that has been operating without paying its fair share in taxes. We had an opportunity to establish clear rules, protect consumers, and create a new source of recurring tax revenue that could help fund essential state programs and services while allowing small businesses to continue benefiting from these machines. It is unfortunate that we could not reach an agreement that accomplished those goals ahead of the court-imposed deadline.”

Despite the expiration of the court’s 120-day period, Senator Flynn emphasized that the General Assembly still has the authority to address the issue through legislation.

“This deadline should not be the end of the conversation,” Senator Flynn said. “I remain committed to finding a legislative solution that allows skill games to return to our small businesses under a responsible regulatory framework. There is bipartisan interest in addressing this issue, and I hope we can build on that common ground to reach an agreement. These businesses deserve clarity and a path forward, and I will continue supporting efforts to get us there.”

State Senator Marty Flynn Announces More Than $9.1 Million in PennDOT Multimodal Funding for Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties

State Senator Marty Flynn Announces More Than $9.1 Million in PennDOT Multimodal Funding for Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties

August 17, 2026

SCRANTON, PA − August 17, 2026 − State Senator Marty Flynn, Democratic Chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Transportation Committee, today announced that communities in the 22nd Senatorial District will receive more than $9.1 million through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Multimodal Transportation Fund. The funding includes $8,624,896 for projects in Lackawanna County and $569,632 for a project in Luzerne County.

“As State Senator for the 22nd Senatorial District and Democratic Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I am proud to announce these grants awarded by PennDOT for transportation and infrastructure projects throughout our area,” Senator Marty Flynn said. “These investments will help us address aging infrastructure, improve our roads and bridges and make our communities safer and more accessible for drivers and pedestrians.”

“It is great to see this funding coming back to Lackawanna and Luzerne counties,” Senator Marty Flynn added. “We have roads, bridges and infrastructure throughout the district that need attention, and these grants give our local communities the resources to get these projects done. I look forward to seeing these improvements take shape across the 22nd district.”

The following projects were awarded funding:

Lackawanna County

•    City of Scranton: To replace the Ash Street Bridge. 
Grant Awarded: $2,999,971

•    Lackawanna County: For widening and signage improvements on Montage Mountain Road.
Grant Awarded: $2,000,000

•    Lackawanna County Commissioners: For infrastructure improvements on North Main Avenue and Green Ridge Street.
Grant Awarded: $1,311,593

•    Moosic Borough: For upgrades to sidewalks, drainage and pedestrian lighting along Main Street.
Grant Awarded: $813,332

•    University of Scranton: For pedestrian access and drainage improvements on campus.
Grant Awarded: $1,500,000

Luzerne County

•    Dupont Borough: To mill and repave several roadways throughout the borough.
Grant Awarded: $569,632

PennDOT’s Multimodal Transportation Fund provides financial assistance for transportation projects that improve communities, pedestrian safety and transit infrastructure.

State Senator Marty Flynn Announces More Than $9.1 Million in PennDOT Multimodal Funding for Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties

Senator Marty Flynn Announces More Than $10.1 Million in RACP Funding for Lackawanna and Luzerne County Projects

July 16, 2026

SCRANTON, PA – July 16, 2026 − Senator Marty Flynn today highlighted the announcement of more than $10.1 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funding for 12 projects across Pennsylvania’s 22nd Senatorial District. Awarded through Governor Josh Shapiro’s Administration, the funding includes eight projects in Lackawanna County totaling $7,245,728 and four projects in Luzerne County totaling $2,900,000, supporting economic development, healthcare, higher education, housing, childcare and community revitalization efforts throughout the region.

“This is a significant investment in the future of our communities. More than $10 million is coming back to Lackawanna and Luzerne counties to support projects that will strengthen our economy, improve access to healthcare and education, expand housing opportunities and revitalize neighborhoods,” Senator Marty Flynn said. “I was proud to advocate for these investments because they reflect the needs of the people I represent. These 12 projects will create jobs, improve quality of life and help position our region for long-term growth. This funding is about delivering real results and ensuring our communities have the resources they need to thrive.”

“The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program continues to be an important tool for helping communities move transformational projects forward,” Senator Marty Flynn added. “I appreciate Governor Shapiro and his Administration for recognizing the importance of these investments and I look forward to seeing these projects move ahead.”

The projects receiving funding in the 22nd Senatorial District include:

Lackawanna County

•    Dunmore Borough: Drinker Street Towers II – Drinker Street Towers LLC
This project will include new construction of a 5-story rental property. It will implement on-site parking, a landscaped courtyard/garden area, provide retail space within the building, provide all necessary utilities and infrastructure, provide necessary elevator service, and create onsite management and operations space.
RACP Awarded: $3,000,000

•    Dunmore Borough: Marywood University Science Facility – Marywood University
Marywood will redevelop its aging Center for Natural & Health Sciences into a modern training facility with a new Physics Lab, upgraded Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Computer Science labs, flexible learning spaces, and HVAC improvements.
RACP Awarded: $500,000

•    Scranton City: 712 Harrison House Renovation – 712 Harrison LLC
The 712 Harrison Avenue project entails the redevelopment of a former apartment building to provide a women’s outpatient and inpatient recovery center. RACP funds will include the following renovations; structural, electrical, plumbing, upgrades to all systems and building envelope, site work, and parking development.
RACP Awarded: $400,000

•    Scranton City: ASF Morgan Highway Campus – Allied Services Foundation
This project entails construction and renovation work to replace elevator infrastructure. At Allied Terrace, the scope includes excavation, concrete footers, and construction of a new elevator shaft, installation of a new elevator car, rails, doors, electrical systems, and a new lobby. The existing Terrace elevator will be modernized with a new controller, hydraulic system, cab interior, and operating panels. At the Scranton Rehab Hospital, four elevators will be modernized with solid-state controllers, hydraulic upgrades, new door operators, call stations, cab interiors, and safety systems.
RACP Awarded: $500,000

•    Scranton City: Mental Health Services Expansion II – Diamond 307 LLC
The project involves the construction of a second floor to the recently-improved Lakeside NEPA Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center. Improvements include new construction and building renovation, with the inclusion of a new elevator and stairtowers, a commercial kitchen, a gym, counselor and administration offices, and the addition of a solar electricity generation system. Sitework includes infrastructure enhancements, as well as patient recreational space.
RACP Awarded: $500,000

•    Scranton City: Scranton Healthcare Enhancement – Geisinger System Services
The project will entail enhancements/renovations to the Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton. RACP funds will encompass the addition of an NICU unit to the existing Women’s/Children’s unit, and renovation of the ED to accommodate additional volumes.
RACP Awarded: $1,000,000

•    Scranton City: United Neighborhood Centers Skilled Childcare – United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania
The project will modernize two of UNC’s three childcare centers in Scranton. Renovations include new HVAC systems, replacement of windows and doors, updated flooring, painting, façade improvements, and installation of classroom equipment and a loft to increase usable space. These upgrades will enhance safety, efficiency, and learning environments, while making facilities more appealing to families and prospective childcare staff.
RACP Awarded: $345,728

•    Scranton City: Wright Center North Scranton – Wright Center Medical Group OBA The Wright Center for Community Health
The project involves the design and construction of a new medical facility.
RACP Awarded: $1,000,000

 

Luzerne County

•    Pittston City: Lumber Yard Conversion – Redevelopment Authority of the City of Pittston
Renovation of a two-story building located at 234 N. Main St in Pittston. This location was used as office space and to store materials for the former Pittston Lumber Co. until it was permanently closed several years ago. The new project will see a complete renovation of the building to accommodate a restaurant / venue space as well as upgrades outside to accommodate parking and potentially food vendors. RACP funds will be used for the renovation of the building, construction of parking and other related spaces to support the development.
RACP Awarded: $500,000

•    Wilkes-Barre City: Carey Holdings Redevelopment II – Carey Holdings LLC
This project will entail the demolition of the current football stadium and surrounding structures to construct a new parking lot with safe entry/exit ramps and enough capacity to support residents, consumers and community use. The RACP portion of the funds will encompass demolition, parking lot construction, and wall/fencing.
RACP Awarded: $1,000,000

•    Wilkes-Barre City: Empire Street Redevelopment – City Mills, LLC
The project entails historic preservation and redevelopment of the vacant Empire Silk Mill. into multi-family housing RACP funds will encompass site preparation, concrete paving, exterior improvements, new doors and windows, interior finishes for units, new elevator, plumbing, and upgrades to the building mechanical systems. 
RACP Awarded: $400,000

•    Wilkes-Barre Township: King’s College Track – King’s College
The King’s College Track Reconstruction Project entails sub-surface repair, scraping and replacing of the outer oval-shaped track surfacing allowing for running and hurdling activities, and the installation of a track runway with two sandpits. Improvements will be designed in accordance with NCAA Design Guidelines and the International Association of Athletics Federations Track and Field Facilities Manual, and the overall Project will be constructed in accordance with the guidelines related to universal accessibility and access for people with disabilities.
RACP Awarded: $1,000,000

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program provides grants for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects that generate economic activity and create jobs across Pennsylvania.

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