April 15, 2026
SCRANTON, PA − April 15, 2026 − State Senator Marty Flynn announced that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has approved $16,922,000 in funding for critical safety upgrades to Pennsylvania American Water Company’s Griffin Dam in Lackawanna County.
The funding will support a comprehensive rehabilitation project to address structural and safety concerns identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The existing spillway system has been determined to be undersized for flood control, and the dam has experienced seepage issues and structural misalignment along its retaining walls and outlet.
“This is about addressing real safety concerns and making sure the surrounding community is protected,” Senator Flynn said. “Upgrading the Griffin Dam to meet modern standards is necessary to ensure the long-term reliability of this infrastructure.”
Senator Marty Flynn (D-22) and Representative Bridget Kosierowski (D-114) acknowledged the importance of the project and the investment being made to address long-standing safety concerns at the site.
“This investment is critical to ensuring the safety and reliability of the Griffin Dam and protecting families across Lackawanna County,” said Representative Bridget Kosierowski. “By addressing longstanding structural concerns and modernizing this infrastructure, we are taking an important step toward safeguarding our water system while keeping costs manageable for residents.”
The project will include upgrades to the outlet works, increased spillway capacity, seepage mitigation, and other structural improvements. Once complete, the dam will meet current safety and regulatory standards for a high-hazard drinking water facility.
The funding will be provided as a low-interest loan through PENNVEST and includes a $7,710,200 grant-equivalent value. Because the project serves a lower-income area, water rates are not expected to increase as a result of the improvements.
April 13, 2026
Pictured: State Senator Marty Flynn with the Student Ambassador Program participants in the Senate Chamber, Harrisburg. Photo is attributable to Jimmie Brown, PA Senate Democratic Caucus. Media use permitted.
SCRANTON, PA − April 13, 2026 − Senator Marty Flynn announced the completion of the 2025–2026 Student Ambassador Program following final presentations held on April 9, where students introduced original policy proposals developed over the course of the program.
Four student groups presented legislation addressing a range of issues, including maternal health protections, school nutrition, access to full-time school nurses, and support for Child Advocacy Centers.
At the conclusion of the presentations, Senator Flynn selected the Child Victim Recovery Fund Act to move forward. The proposal was presented by Grace Bennett (Abington Heights), Edward Bonin (Dunmore), Connor Cawley (Pittston Area), Kinsey Harris (Wilkes-Barre Area), and Ava Roberto (Scranton).
The legislation presented would establish a dedicated funding stream for Child Advocacy Centers across Pennsylvania, including a proposed $14.5 million annual budget line. It also calls for restitution fees directed from offenders to help support services provided to child victims.
Students involved in the proposal connected with Child Advocacy Centers to better understand the challenges they face, including the lack of consistent, statewide funding.
Additional proposals developed through the program, including the BUMP Act (Banked Use for Maternity Protection Act), gluten-free lunch options in Pennsylvania public schools, and the Pennsylvania Full-Time School Nurse Act, will be introduced by members of the House, including Representative Bridget Kosierowski (114th Legislative District), Representative Jim Haddock (118th Legislative District), and Representative Kyle Donahue (113th Legislative District).
“The work these students put in goes well beyond a final presentation,” said Senator Flynn. “Since October, they have spent months developing these ideas, learning how the legislative process works, and even getting an inside look at the State Capitol in Harrisburg. What stood out to me is how focused they were on advocating for others. Each proposal was grounded in real issues and aimed at improving people’s lives. This was a sharp group, and it was a privilege to work with them through this program.”
The Student Ambassador Program provides high school students from across the 22nd Senatorial District with the opportunity to learn about state government, engage with policy issues, and develop their own legislative proposals.
April 8, 2026
SCRANTON, PA − April 8, 2026 − Senator Marty Flynn (D-22) today highlighted a major economic development announcement from Governor Josh Shapiro that will bring new jobs and economic activity to Scott Township in Lackawanna County, located within the 22nd Senatorial District.
Premier Brands of America will invest $15 million to open a new manufacturing facility at the former Scranton Times-Tribune printing site, creating 58 full-time jobs over the next three years. The Commonwealth is supporting the project with nearly $4 million in funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
“This is a $15 million investment going into a property that’s been sitting unused, and it’s turning into 58 full-time jobs right here in our district,” Senator Flynn said. “That’s the kind of outcome we want to see.”
Premier Brands of America has acquired the facility located at 45 Commerce Drive in Scott Township and will begin redeveloping the site for the manufacturing of health and wellness products, including Arm & Hammer Foot Care and Cutter Poison Ivy. The company’s product portfolio includes over 150 different items in the foot care, first aid, skin care, and shave categories, with products found in online and retail stores both domestically and abroad. The expansion into Pennsylvania will allow the company to grow its operations while meeting increasing customer demand.
“The state is putting up just under $4 million to help make this happen, and in return we’re seeing a major private investment and dozens of jobs coming into Lackawanna County,” Senator Flynn added. “Taking a closed facility and putting it back into operation is how you build long-term economic strength in this region. When you have the workforce, the location, and the infrastructure in place, it puts communities like ours in a position to compete and win these opportunities.”
Coordinated by Governor Shapiro’s BusinessPA team with support from the NEPA Alliance, Premier Brands of America received a funding proposal from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a $3.6 million Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loan, a $245,700 Pennsylvania First grant, and a $64,300 WEDnetPA grant to to support workforce training. The company may also be eligible for additional support through the Manufacturing Tax Credit (MTC) Program.
March 30, 2026
SCRANTON, PA − March 30, 2026 − Senator Marty Flynn (SD-22) has introduced Senate Bill 1253 to address growing concerns around competitive balance in high school sports across Pennsylvania.
The legislation would give the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) the authority to establish separate playoff classifications and championship pathways for boundary and non-boundary schools. Boundary schools draw students from a defined geographic area, while non-boundary schools, including private, charter, and parochial institutions, have broader enrollment flexibility.
“When boundary schools are competing against programs that can draw from a much broader pool of student-athletes, it contributes to the imbalance we’re seeing in postseason competition,” Senator Flynn said. “This legislation gives the PIAA the authority to establish separate playoff classifications and championship pathways and includes a public process to evaluate whether those changes are appropriate.”
In recent years, disparities between boundary and non-boundary schools have become more noticeable in certain sports, particularly in postseason competition. Senate Bill 1253 outlines a process for the PIAA to evaluate those concerns, including public meetings, testimony, and input from communities across the Commonwealth before any changes are made.”
“This is about maintaining the integrity of high school athletics by addressing the imbalance that’s impacting fair competition so schools are competing on a level playing field,” Flynn added.
The bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 and outlines a transparent process for the PIAA to review and, if appropriate, implement separate playoff structures. The bill has been referred to the Education committee for consideration.
January 20, 2026
SCRANTON, PA — January 20, 2026 — State Senator Marty Flynn announced the approval of nearly $5.4 million in Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) Small Water and Sewer Program grants to support critical stormwater, sewer, and drainage improvement projects across Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties.
The Small Water and Sewer Program will provide funding for the construction, improvement, expansion, or rehabilitation of water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure, helping municipalities address aging systems and reduce flooding, backups, and environmental concerns.
“Water, sewer, and stormwater systems are not something people think about until there is a problem. I’m proud to support this funding, which will help reduce flooding, prevent future damage, and protect public health, while helping keep these systems operating safely and reliably,” said Senator Flynn.
Lackawanna County
Awarded: $424,798 for the Stormwater Rehabilitation Project.
Awarded: $420,923 for the Taylor Borough MS-4 Improvement Project.
Awarded: $398,352 for the Newton Township Stormwater Improvement Project.
- Greenfield Township Sewer Authority
Awarded: $41,764 for the Greenfield Township Sewer Authority – Sewer facilities upgrades.
Awarded: $425,080 for the Fawnwood Stormwater Improvement – Phase II.
Awarded: $499,336 for the Clarks Green Stormwater Improvement Project.
Luzerne County
Awarded: $278,341 for the Mitchell & Grove Street Stormwater Drainage Project 2025.
Awarded: $308,037 for the Blueberry Lane Sewer Grant.
