June 27, 2025
Scranton, PA − June 27, 2025 − Senator Marty Flynn today announced that more than $1.2 million in Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) grants are coming to Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties to help local farms, nonprofits, and food producers expand capacity, modernize equipment, and strengthen the region’s food supply chain.
“This money will make a real impact on our communities. We’re talking about new cold storage in Lackawanna County and better processing and delivery in Luzerne County.” Senator Flynn said. “That means our farmers’ hard work ends up on local tables, more families get fresh meals, and our farmers and nonprofits have what they need to keep growing. It’s smart, it’s practical, and it’s exactly the kind of investment our area deserves.”
The funding comes through Pennsylvania’s Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program — a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture that Governor Josh Shapiro announced at the 2024 Pennsylvania Farm Show. The program offers matching grants for equipment, facility upgrades, and system-wide improvements to boost local food processing, distribution, and access.
Grant awardees in Senator Flynn’s district include:
Lackawanna County
- Friends of the Poor – $413,013 (Infrastructure Grant)
Establishing a centralized cold-storage food distribution hub to streamline nonprofit and farmer access to fresh food for thousands of residents in Lackawanna County.
Luzerne County
- The Food Dignity Project – $723,839 (Infrastructure Grant)
Building cold storage, processing, and delivery systems to support 29 farms and launch 15 new value-added products in Luzerne County.
- Michael Family Farm – $77,023 (Equipment-Only Grant)
Purchasing and installing on-farm dairy processing equipment to expand product offerings and markets for farms in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wyoming Counties.
June 13, 2025
Scranton, PA – June 13, 2025 − State Senator Marty Flynn today announced that two community-based education organizations in Northeastern Pennsylvania, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania and Luzerne County Community College, have been awarded a combined total of $781,200 through the Family Literacy Direct Service Grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
“This grant empowers both generations by making education a shared experience,” said Senator Marty Flynn. “Parents have the opportunity to return to the classroom, while their children begin their own educational journey with a strong foundation. These are the kinds of investments that lift up entire communities and create lasting pathways to opportunity.”
The funding will support literacy programs that help parents and caregivers strengthen their reading, writing, and workforce skills while also promoting early childhood education for their children. These services are designed to uplift entire families as a unit, improve educational outcomes, and increase access to economic mobility.
This grant is part of a statewide investment of more than $3.6 million to expand access to family literacy services across Pennsylvania. Since taking office, the Shapiro Administration has dedicated over $10.6 million to support these programs. The Governor’s proposed 2025–26 budget includes a request for an additional $6 million in adult and family literacy funding.
Institutions receiving the Family Literacy Direct Service Grant include:
Lackawanna County:
- United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania, $403,000
- To support adult and family literacy education including reading and writing skill development, early childhood learning, and parent education services.
Luzerne County:
- Luzerne County Community College, $378,200
- To provide comprehensive family literacy programming that integrates adult education, early learning, and parent-child engagement activities.
June 3, 2025
HARRISBURG, PA – June 3, 2025 – Senator Marty Flynn announced that Luzerne County has been awarded $6.2 million in state funding to support critical upgrades at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. The funding will go toward expanding the terminal and modernizing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening area.
The investment is part of a larger initiative by the Shapiro Administration to improve airport infrastructure across the Commonwealth. Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport received the largest single allocation in this round of funding.
“This funding marks a long-term investment in the future of northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Senator Flynn. “As demand for air travel and commerce in our region continues to rise, it’s essential that our infrastructure keeps pace. These upgrades will ensure our airport remains a modern, accessible, and secure gateway for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”
The project will be financed through the state Capital Budget via the Aviation Transportation Assistance Program, which is supported by bonds. Once completed, the upgrades will improve passenger flow, enhance security operations, and support continued growth at one of northeastern Pennsylvania’s busiest airports.
To learn more about transportation investments happening across Pennsylvania, visit www.penndot.pa.gov.
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May 20, 2025
HARRISBURG − May 20, 2025 − Senator Marty Flynn today announced that the Old Forge School District has been awarded $400,000 through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Solar for Schools program.
The funding will support the installation of solar energy infrastructure at the district, helping reduce long-term energy costs and promote sustainability in school operations.
“This is a smart investment that will benefit students and the environment,” said Senator Flynn. “By supporting clean energy in our schools, we’re helping districts cut costs while also teaching the next generation about the importance of sustainability and innovation.”
Senator Flynn also thanked State Representative Jim Haddock for his partnership and advocacy in helping secure the funding for Old Forge.
The Solar for Schools program provides grants to public K-12 schools to help offset the costs of solar energy systems, with the goal of reducing utility expenses and advancing renewable energy use across the Commonwealth.
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May 20, 2025
HARRISBURG, PA – May 20, 2025 – State Senator Marty Flynn announced today the approval of more than $7.5 million in Local Share Account (LSA) grants for 64 community improvement projects in Luzerne County and Lackawanna Counties. The awards, approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), will fund vital public safety equipment, municipal upgrades, infrastructure enhancements, and community development efforts.
“This funding is directed toward critical needs within our communities, including public safety, infrastructure, and essential local services,” Senator Flynn continued. “I am proud to collaborate with my colleagues in the legislature to secure these investments and ensure that our region continues to receive the support it deserves.”
Luzerne County will receive over $5.6 million across 40 projects, while an additional $1.9 million will support 24 projects in Lackawanna County.
Senator Flynn worked in coordination with Representatives Bridget Kosierowski, Kyle Mullins, Kyle Donahue, Jim Haddock and Eddie Day Pashinski, to identify and advocate for priority projects within their districts.
“These investments help strengthen our local economy by creating opportunities for growth, improving infrastructure, and supporting jobs in our communities,” Senator Flynn said. “Every dollar we secure through these grants helps our region attract and sustain economic development now and, in the years to come.”
The Local Share Account, funded by gaming revenues, provides financial support to projects that improve the quality of life in host and contiguous counties.
Funded projects in Luzerne County
- Avoca Borough Backhoe Project
- Grant Awarded: $155,467.00
- For the purchase of a backhoe for use in Avoca Borough, Luzerne County.
- Avoca Borough Skid Steer Project
- Grant Awarded: $157,615.00
- For the purchase of a new skid steer with attachments for the Avoca Borough Public Works Department.
- Dupont Oak Street Memorial Park
- Grant Awarded: $22,000.00
- To create a Memorial Park on Oak Street
- Dupont Pump Station Upgrades
- Grant Awarded: $190,000.00
- For an additional pump and equipment upgrades at the Quail Hill Pump Station.
- Duryea American Legion Upgrade
- Grant Awarded: $80,176.00
- For upgrades to the Brennan-Regan American Legion Post 858.
- Duryea Healey Playground Phase II
- Grant Awarded: $223,724.00
- For the Phase II renovation of Healey Playground.
- Jenkins Township DPW Loader Backhoe Purchase
- Grant Awarded: $161,630.00
- For the purchase of a loader backhoe for use by the public works department.
- Jenkins Township Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce Building renovations
- Grant Awarded: $150,000.00
- To make building renovations at the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce.
- Jenkins Township Pro-Active Preparedness for the Department of Public Works
- Grant Awarded: $41,031.00
- To install an emergency preparedness brine system at its Department of Public Works building.
- Laflin Fire Dept Air Packs
- Grant Awarded: $159,829.00
- For the purchase of Fire Department Air Packs for use.
- Laurel Run Public Works Pole Barn
- Grant Awarded: $62,946.00
- For renovations to the Public Works pole barn.
- Pittston Main Street Stage
- Grant Awarded: $300,000.00
- To construct an outdoor stage.
- Pittston Parking Lot Upgrades Project
- Grant Awarded: $125,000.00
- For parking lot improvements.
- Pittston Regional Compost Facility Parts and Equipment
- Grant Awarded: $78,241.00
- To repair composting equipment at the Greater Pittston Regional Compost Facility.
- Pittston YMCA Facade Upgrade
- Grant Awarded: $210,000.00
- For exterior renovation and security upgrades at the Greater Pittston YMCA.
- Pittston Township First Responder Training Facility
- Grant Awarded: $294,797.00
- To construct a first responder training facility and range.
- Pittston Township Hometown Heroes Commemorative Wall
- Grant Awarded: $17,975.00
- To build a hometown heroes monument.
- Pittston Township Hydraulic Rescue Tool
- Grant Awarded: $156,145.00
- To purchase rescue equipment.
- Pittston Township Law Enforcement Vehicle Purchase
- Grant Awarded: $92,355.00
- To purchase a vehicle.
- Plains Township American Legion Post 558 Building Renovations
- Grant Awarded: $100,000.00
- To renovate the Legion building.
- Plains Township New Police HQ building
- Grant Awarded: $100,000.00
- To construct a new police station.
- West Pittston Borough Old School on Luzerne Masonry Repair
- Grant Awarded: $60,000.00
- To repair a senior housing facility.
- West Pittston 2024 LSA Recycling Packer Truck
- Grant Awarded: $213,866.00
- For the purchase of a recycling packer truck.
- Wilkes-Barre Bulldog BBQ Sauce South Franklin Street Greenspace
- Grant Awarded: $70,000.00
- For the rehabilitation of a demolished lot.
- City of Wilkes-Barre Fire Department/Emergency Medical Services Monitor/Defibrillator
- Grant Awarded: $61,924.00
- For the purchase of a monitor/defibrillator.
- City of Wilkes-Barre Police Department Vehicle Purchase
- Grant Awarded: $346,144.00
- For the purchase of five police vehicles to be used.
- Wilkes-Barre General Municipal Authority New Equipment for Golf Infrastructure Improvements
- Grant Awarded: $199,081.00
- For golf course infrastructure equipment.
- Wilkes-Barre Irem Temple Renovations
- Grant Awarded: $200,000.00
- To restore a minaret at the Irem Temple.
- Wilkes-Barre King’s College Safety and Security Project Phase 1
- Grant Awarded: $200,000.00
- For safety and security upgrades to King’s College.
- Wilkes-Barre Mia Bella’s Gourmet Candles New Equipment
- Grant Awarded: $63,764.00
- To purchase a label maker and oil filling machine to be used at their production facility.
- Wilkes-Barre Moving River Ministries Former Planters Peanuts Building Restoration
- Grant Awarded: $50,000.00
- To renovate the formers Planters Peanuts building.
- Wilkes-Barre Northeast Counseling Services Building Renovation
- Grant Awarded: $38,225.00
- For renovations to the Northeast Counseling Services building at 320 South Franklin Street.
- Wilkes-Barre Project Elevate
- Grant Awarded: $120,685.00
- For renovations to the Chamber Building.
- Wilkes-Barre R/C Theatres Seating Renovation
- Grant Awarded: $300,000.00
- To purchase new seating for the R/C Wilkes Barre Movies 14 theater.
- Wilkes-Barre The Wright Center Health City Hub Accessibility & Bee-utification Project
- Grant Awarded: $200,000.00
- To update accessibility to the Wright Center.
- Wilkes-Barre Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) General Building Renovation
- Grant Awarded: $115,000.00
- For first and second floor renovations to the VIM Clinic building.
- Wilkes-Barre Welcome Home Affordable Housing
- Grant Awarded: $131,388.00
- To construct a single-family home to be located at 43 Monroe Street.
- Wilkes-Barre YMCA Wellness Facility Upgrades
- Grant Awarded: $73,437.00
- For the purchase of gym equipment for the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA.
- Wilkes-Barre Township Street Equipment Upgrade
- Grant Awarded: $205,500.00
- To purchase four 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Regular Cab 4×4 Dump Trucks for the streets department.
- Wyoming Borough 2024 Street Reconstruction Project
- Grant Awarded: $130,000.00
- For road repairs in Wyoming Borough Luzerne County.
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Funded Projects in Lackawanna County
- Clarks Green Municipal Building Emergency Generator Project
- Grant Awarded: $49,140.00
- To purchase and install an emergency generator at the municipal building.
- Clarks Summit New Patrol Vehicle
- Grant Awarded: $66,211.00
- For the purchase of a new vehicle for the police department.
- Dickson City Commercial Enforcement Vehicle
- Grant Awarded: $80,000.00
- To purchase a vehicle for the police department.
- Dunmore School District Paving and Security Upgrades
- Grant Awarded: $100,000.00
- For a paving and security upgrades project.
- Glenburn Township Compact Wheel Loader
- Grant Awarded: $106,00.00
- For the purchase of a compact wheel loader and upfitting for use.
- Ballet Theater of Scranton Equipment Project
- Grant Awarded: $42,393.00
- For new equipment for the theatre.
- Connell Park Equipment, Backstop & Driveway Reconstruction
- Grant Awarded: $30,791.00
- For renovations to the park located in the City of Scranton.
- South Abington Griffin Pond Animal Shelter ERU Replacement
- Grant Awarded: $120,000.00
- For the purchase and installation of a new HVAC system for their animal shelter.
- Dunmore Hospice of the Sacred Heart Equipment, Flooring Replacement, & Building Repairs
- Grant Awarded: $50,000.00
- To complete building renovations and purchase equipment at the hospice facility.
- Indo American Community of Scranton Equipment Project
- Grant Awarded: $51,143.00
- To purchase event equipment for use by IACOS.
- La Festa Italiana of Lackawanna County Equipment & Storage Project
- Grant Awarded: $80,895.00
- To purchase equipment for a cultural festival located.
- Lackawanna County Coal Mine Tour Site Improvements
- Grant Awarded: $125,000.00
- For site improvements to the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour.
- Lackawanna County Trail Maintenance Equipment Project
- Grant Awarded: $81,000.00
- Funds for trail maintenance equipment for use Countywide in Lackawanna County.
- Minooka Athletic Association Field Updates
- Grant Awarded: $19,789.00
- For improvements to baseball and softball fields.
- Moosic Little League Lighting & Field Project
- Grant Awarded: $121,052.00
- To replace its current lighting system.
- North Scranton Little League Batting Cage Project
- Grant Awarded: $100,000.00
- To enhance its batting cages.
- Scranton Preparatory School Lighting Project
- Grant Awarded: $113,260.00
- Funds for the Scranton Preparatory School Lighting project.
- Scranton Tennis Club ADA Accessibility Project
- Grant Awarded: $110,000.00
- For the Scranton Tennis Club ADA Accessibility project.
- Moosic Motor Carrier & Traffic Safety Program
- Grant Awarded: $85,781.00
- To purchase a vehicle for the police department.
- Old Forge Borough Safety Grant
- Grant Awarded: $102,130.00
- For the purchase of two police vehicles.
- Scranton Cultural Center Restoration Project
- Grant Awarded: $74,535.00
- For floor restoration at their facility.
- South Abington Township Police Vehicle Purchase
- Grant Awarded: $67,000.00
- To purchase and upfit a new police vehicle for their police department.
- Taylor Memorial Cemetery Improvements
- Grant Awarded: $104,450.00
- For improvements to the Taylor Borough Memorial Cemetery.
- Waverly Township Police Department Equipment Upgrades
- Grant Awarded: $39,849.00
- For the purchase of police equipment.
April 17, 2025
Scranton, PA – April 16, 2025 – Lackawanna County has received a $90,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) through Governor Josh Shapiro’s Strategic Management Planning Program. The funding will support Phase 2 of a project focused on improving the county’s financial oversight and long-term planning.
With these funds, the county will bring in financial professionals to help guide and strengthen its fiscal management practices. The goal is to ensure public resources are managed responsibly and effectively while laying the groundwork for smarter, more sustainable growth.
“This is great news for our community,” said Senator Flynn. “Strong financial planning often happens behind the scenes, but it plays a critical role in how well local government can serve its residence. I’m proud to support this investment in Lackawanna County, and I’m confident it will help us build a more stable and sustainable future.”
This grant is part of a continued effort to support county governments across the Commonwealth in modernizing operations, improving transparency, and ensuring financial stability for years to come. Lackawanna County’s participation in this program highlights its commitment to strong, accountable governance that works for the people.
The project will move forward once all contract documents are finalized and the grant requirements are met.
For more information on the Strategic Management Planning Program, visit PA Department of Community & Economic Development.
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