Senator Flynn Announces Farmland Preservation in Lackawanna County

Senator Flynn Announces Farmland Preservation in Lackawanna County

Senator Flynn Announces Farmland Preservation in Lackawanna County

Harrisburg, PA – August 22, 2025 – Senator Marty Flynn announced that a 26-acre equine farm in Benton Township, Lackawanna County, has been permanently preserved through Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Program. This action ensures the property will remain farmland and protected from future residential or commercial development.

The State Agriculture Land Preservation Board recently voted to preserve 2,017 acres on 33 farms in 16 counties across the Commonwealth. With these additions, Pennsylvania’s nationally recognized Farmland Preservation Program has safeguarded 6,597 farms and 656,568 acres in 58 counties.

“I’m grateful to see Walter and Bonnie Rosengrant’s farm added to the list of preserved farmlands here in Lackawanna County,” said Senator Marty Flynn. “Every farm we protect is a promise that agriculture will remain at the heart of Pennsylvania’s story, and it ensures the next generation inherits not just the land itself but the opportunities and traditions that built this region.”

Farmland Preservation Details:
          •    Location: Benton Township, Lackawanna County
          •    Owners: Walter P. Rosengrant, Jr. & Bonnie J. Rosengrant
          •    Farm Size: 26-acre equine farm

Senator Marty Flynn Announces Over $4.3 Million Broadband Investment in Senate District 22

Senator Marty Flynn Announces Over $4.3 Million Broadband Investment in Senate District 22

Harrisburg, PA – August 22, 2025 – State Senator Marty Flynn today announced that the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) has awarded a $2,416,847 grant to expand high-speed internet access in portions of the 22nd Senate District. With the required 80% private sector match, this award represents a total estimated investment of more than $4.3 million in broadband infrastructure for Northeast Pennsylvania.

The grant, awarded through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, will support infrastructure upgrades to deliver reliable, affordable broadband service to homes and businesses currently lacking access. The project will deploy a mix of fiber, hybrid fiber, and low-earth orbit satellite technologies, with service provided by Amazon Kuiper Satellite, Comcast, Verizon, and SpaceX Satellite.

“This investment is about connecting our communities to opportunity,” said Senator Flynn. “Reliable broadband is as essential as electricity or running water, it’s what allows families to work, students to learn, and small businesses to grow. I’m proud to see this funding come to our district, and I’ll continue to fight for resources that improve quality of life for the people in our district.”

Statewide, the PBDA approved 21 unique awardees with a total of $793,494,747 in BEAD grant funding recommended for award. Combined with the required private sector match, these grants will generate over $1.3 billion in infrastructure spending and connect approximately 130,000 Pennsylvania homes and businesses that currently lack service.

Grant Summary – Senate District 22

  • Recipient Providers: Amazon Kuiper Satellite, Comcast, Verizon, SpaceX Satellite
  • Amount Awarded: $2,416,847
  • Estimated Total Investment (Grant + Private Sector Match): $4,350,324+
  • Technology: Fiber, Hybrid Fiber, LEO Satellite
Senator Marty Flynn Announces $4.84 Million in Local Share Account Funding for Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties

Senator Flynn Announces Significant Funding for Local Transportation Projects through PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Fund

Scranton, PA – Senator Flynn is pleased to announce the allocation of crucial funding through this year’s PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Fund, aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure across Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. This initiative is designed to provide financial assistance to a wide range of entities, including municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, and ports and rail freight entities.

The PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Fund is instrumental in improving transportation assets, which in turn boosts community development, enhances pedestrian safety, and supports transit revitalization. This year’s funding underscores the Commonwealth’s commitment to fostering economic growth through strategic infrastructure investments.

“Infrastructure is the backbone of our communities and our economy,” said Senator Flynn. “The funding provided through the PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Fund not only addresses critical transportation needs but also plays a vital role in driving economic development and improving the quality of life for our residents. By investing in these projects, we are building a safer, more connected, and more prosperous future for everyone in our region.”

Awardees from Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties:

Lackawanna County: 

City of Scranton – Awarded $2,516,945 for critical repairs to the Hollow Avenue Bridge. This project received the largest amount of funding in the state this year, highlighting its importance to the region’s infrastructure.

Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority – Awarded $292,914 to connect an existing section of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail to another section currently under development by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Luzerne County:

City of Pittston – Awarded $1,514,000 for the acquisition of land adjacent to a dangerous “dog leg” curve on Main Street in Pittston City. The project will include environmental remediation, streetscaping, and filling in a streetscape gap to reduce the frequency and severity of accidents.

City of Wilkes-Barre – Awarded $360,000 for pedestrian safety and ADA accessibility improvements on South Main Street.

Jenkins Township – Awarded $300,915 for roadway repairs to CenterPoint Blvd in the CenterPoint Commerce and Trade Park.

These investments are part of a broader effort by the Commonwealth to enhance transportation infrastructure, create jobs, and support economic development across Pennsylvania.