Senator Flynn Announces Rail Freight Assistance Program and Rail Transportation Assistance Program Grants for Luzerne County

Senator Flynn Announces Rail Freight Assistance Program and Rail Transportation Assistance Program Grants for Luzerne County

Wilkes Barre, PADecember 18, 2024 – Senator Flynn is proud to announce the approval of two critical rail infrastructure projects in Luzerne County as part of the Rail Freight Assistance Program and Rail Transportation Assistance Program. These approved investments, totaling more than $1.4 million in state funding, will significantly enhance rail connectivity and support local economic growth.

The State Transportation Commission (STC) officially approved the following projects earlier today:

  1. Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority
    • Project Name: Track Rehabilitation
    • Project Description: The Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority will rehabilitate the track on the Wilkes-Barre Secondary Branch, including tie replacements on two bridges and repairs to two grade crossings.
    • Total Project Cost: $990,950
    • State Share: $693,664
  2. Mericle River Road LLC
    • Project Name: CenterPoint South Commerce and Trade Park
    • Project Description: Mericle River Road LLC will construct a turnout and approximately 2,100 feet of new track into the industrial park.
    • Total Project Cost: $1,060,810
    • State Share: $742,566

“These investments demonstrate Pennsylvania’s commitment to strengthening our transportation infrastructure and supporting local economic development,” said Senator Flynn. “By improving rail freight capabilities in Luzerne County, these projects will enhance efficiency, create jobs, and support the growth of our region’s economy. I commend the Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority and Mericle River Road LLC for their initiatives that will deliver lasting benefits to our community.”

The Rail Freight Assistance Program and Rail Transportation Assistance Program are essential components of the Commonwealth’s strategy to build and maintain a robust freight transportation network, ensuring Pennsylvania remains competitive and accessible for industries and commerce.

For further information, please contact Senator Flynns Scranton Office at 570-207-2881.  

Senator Marty Flynn Announces Digital Connectivity Technology Program Grant Award for Lackawanna County

Senator Marty Flynn Announces Digital Connectivity Technology Program Grant Award for Lackawanna County

Scranton, PA – November 22, 2024 − Senator Marty Flynn is proud to announce that the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority has awarded a Digital Connectivity Technology Program (DCTP) grant to Lackawanna County Government. This grant will provide 100 laptops to be made available to residents through local initiatives aimed at improving access to technology.

The grant was approved during the Authority’s meeting, where funding was distributed to organizations across the Commonwealth. These grants are part of the DCTP’s mission to equip non-profits, community anchor institutions, and local governments with tools to support education, workforce development, health, and employment outcomes.

The awarded laptops will enable Lackawanna County Government to loan or make available to Pennsylvanians who need them most, helping to close the digital divide and create new opportunities for individuals and families across the region.

“I’m excited to announce this grant award to Lackawanna County,” said Senator Flynn. “These laptops will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents by ensuring they have the technology they need to learn, work, and thrive. This is another step toward a more connected and equitable Pennsylvania.”

Grant Award:

Recipient: Lackawanna County Government

Address: 123 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503

Award: 100 Laptops

For more information on the Digital Connectivity Technology Program and its impact across Pennsylvania, visit the PA Broadband Development Authority website at www.broadband.pa.gov.

Senator Flynn Announces District-Wide RACP Awards, Bringing Over $28 Million in Funding to Development Projects Across Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties

Senator Flynn Announces District-Wide RACP Awards, Bringing Over $28 Million in Funding to Development Projects Across Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties

Senator Flynn celebrates significant Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) awards to projects in his district.

Scranton, PA – November 1, 2024 − Senator Flynn is proud to announce the award of district-wide Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grants, totaling over $28 million, to support transformative projects throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. These state-backed grants represent a substantial investment in local economic development, infrastructure, healthcare, and educational improvements, impacting numerous communities across the district.

“These district-wide RACP awards are critical to fostering growth, creating jobs, and revitalizing our communities,” said Senator Flynn. “The funded projects will bring much-needed upgrades, expansions, and new facilities that enhance the quality of life for residents while boosting the local economy.”

Lackawanna County

  1. 105 Corner Street, Dunmore, PA
    • Beneficiary: Hoofty Holdings, LLC
    • Awarded: $1,000,000
    • Description: Funding will support hard construction costs for building stabilization, including HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.
  2. Alsqstop Real Estate Development, Dunmore
    • Beneficiary: Alsqstop Real Estate LLC
    • Awarded: $500,000
    • Description: This grant will aid in excavation, site preparation, and construction of a new hotel facility with event space, enhancing connectivity to major highways.
  3. Drinker Street Towers
    • Beneficiary: Drinker Street Towers LLC
    • Awarded: $2,000,000
    • Description: Funding for a five-story living and retail facility, including utilities, parking, and on-site management.
  4. Fellowship House Improvements
    • Beneficiary: Fellowship House Foundation
    • Awarded: $250,000
    • Description: This project will provide interior and exterior upgrades to increase client capacity and accessibility with a new elevator.
  5. Fidelity Bank Headquarters III
    • Beneficiary: Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank
    • Awarded: $5,000,000
    • Description: Complete renovation of the historic Scranton Electric Building to create office headquarters, covering structural, electrical, and fire safety improvements.
  6. Glenburn Township Public Service Building
    • Beneficiary: Glenburn Township
    • Awarded: $600,000
    • Description: Funding supports the construction of a public service building for township maintenance operations.
  7. Mid Valley School District STEAM Expansion
    • Beneficiary: Mid Valley School District
    • Awarded: $2,500,000
    • Description: Grant will create a STEAM learning center, converting existing offices into spaces for Biomedical Technology and related programs.
  8. PNC Field Improvement
    • Beneficiary: Multi-Purpose Stadium Authority of Lackawanna County
    • Awarded: $500,000
    • Description: Stadium improvements to meet MLB standards, including team and umpire area upgrades.
  9. West Scranton Redevelopment
    • Beneficiary: West Scranton Development Partners, LLC
    • Awarded: $2,500,000
    • Description: A mixed-use commercial development project to revitalize North Main Avenue in West Scranton.

Luzerne County

  1. Carey Holdings Redevelopment
    • Beneficiary: Carey Holdings LLC
    • Awarded: $2,500,000
    • Description: Transformation of an abandoned school into a mixed-use facility, with new apartments, community amenities, and storefronts.
  2. Interstate Building Materials Expansion II
    • Beneficiary: Interstate Building Materials Inc.
    • Awarded: $1,500,000
    • Description: Addition of a second story and parking upgrades to support expanded operations at the facility.
  3. Irem Temple Restoration III
    • Beneficiary: Irem Temple Restoration Project, Inc.
    • Awarded: $1,000,000
    • Description: Historic restoration to convert the Irem Temple Building into an event space and museum, celebrating Wyoming Valley’s heritage.
  4. Kings College Student Success Center II
    • Beneficiary: King’s College
    • Awarded: $750,000
    • Description: Renovation of the college library’s first floor, focusing on structural improvements to support a student success center.
  5. Pittston City Mixed Use Parkade
    • Beneficiary: City of Pittston
    • Awarded: $4,000,000
    • Description: A four-level mixed-use parking garage with green spaces and EV charging stations.
  6. RC Theatres Downtown Stabilization
    • Beneficiary: City Centre, LP
    • Awarded: $250,000
    • Description: Extensive interior renovations for RC Theatres, including new seating to enhance downtown Wilkes-Barre’s entertainment offerings.
  7. Wilkes University Nursing Simulation
    • Beneficiary: Wilkes University
    • Awarded: $750,000
    • Description: Construction of a state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab to drive quality healthcare education.
  8. Wright Center Health City Hub, Wilkes-Barre
    • Beneficiary: The Wright Center for Community Health
    • Awarded: $2,000,000
    • Description: Expansion of behavioral health and oral services to better serve the community’s health needs.
  9. WVIA Facility Upgrade and New Addition II
    • Beneficiary: Northeastern Pennsylvania Educational Television Association
    • Awarded: $750,000
    • Description: Facility improvements, including a new garage, access road, and roof replacement, enhancing public broadcasting services.
Senator Flynn expressed gratitude to Governor Shapiro and to all local leaders, project teams, and community members who contributed to these successful RACP grant applications. For further information on the RACP program visit SenatorFlynn.com  or Senator Flynn’s District offices.
Senator Marty Flynn and State Representatives Announce Over $3.99 Million in Public School Facility Improvement Grants for Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties

Senator Marty Flynn and State Representatives Announce Over $3.99 Million in Public School Facility Improvement Grants for Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties

Scranton, PA − October 22, 2024 – Senator Marty Flynn, alongside State Representatives Bridget Kosierowski, Kyle Mullins, Jim Haddock, and Kyle Donahue, are excited to announce the approval of more than $3.99 million in Public School Facility Improvement Grant (PSFIG) funding to support critical upgrades in school facilities across Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. These grants will fund projects addressing energy efficiency, safety improvements, and infrastructure upgrades, ensuring a healthier and safer environment for students and staff.

“This funding is a big win for our local schools, and it’s going to make a huge difference in the day-to-day learning environment for our kids,” said Senator Flynn. “From improving air quality and energy efficiency to addressing safety concerns, these upgrades will ensure our students and educators have the best possible facilities. I’m proud to work with my colleagues to help bring these resources to our communities.”

Funded Projects in Lackawanna County:

  1. Abington Heights School District – South Abington Elementary School Upgrades
    • Grant Award: $775,000
    • State Representative: Bridget Kosierowski (H114)
    • Project: Modernization of the HVAC system, plumbing, and lighting at South Abington Elementary School to improve energy efficiency and create a healthier learning environment.
  2. Lakeland School District – Ceiling and Lighting Improvements
    • Grant Award: $450,000
    • State Representatives: Kyle Mullins (H112), Bridget Kosierowski (H114)
    • Project: Health and safety improvements at Mayfield Elementary and Lakeland Elementary-Scott Campus, including new ceilings and energy-efficient LED lighting to improve air quality and reduce asbestos risks.
  3. Mid Valley School District – Sanitary Sewer Improvements at Mid Valley High School
    • Grant Award: $300,000
    • State Representative: Kyle Mullins (H112)
    • Project: Replacement of aging cast iron sanitary piping and the installation of a new gravity sewer system to address frequent system failures at Mid Valley High School.
  4. Riverside School District – HVAC Replacement at Riverside Elementary West
    • Grant Award: $496,250
    • State Representative: Jim Haddock (H118)
    • Project: Complete replacement of the HVAC system at Riverside Elementary West, upgrading 22 unit ventilators, mini split units, ductwork, and refrigerant to improve energy efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.
  5. Scranton School District – Safety Upgrades at West Scranton High School and South Scranton Intermediate School
    • Grant Award: $1,000,000
    • State Representative: Kyle Donahue (H113)
    • Project: Replacement of fire alarm systems at both West Scranton High School and South Scranton Intermediate School, including the installation of smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detectors, emergency lighting, and centralized reporting systems.

Funded Project in Luzerne County:

  1. Pittston Area School District – Safety Upgrades at Matteii Complex
    • Grant Award: $969,875
    • State Representative: Jim Haddock (H118)
    • Project: Replacement of 25-year-old carpeting at the Intermediate Center and Middle School at the Matteii Complex. The new materials will improve fire resistance, air quality, and reduce trip hazards, creating a safer environment for students and staff.

Contact Information:

For more information, please contact Senator Flynn’s office at (570) 207-2881 or visit Senator Flynn’s official website.

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