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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Senator Flynn Urges Luzerne County to Follow Attorney General’s Guidance and Reinstate Ballot Drop Boxes

Senator Flynn Urges Luzerne County to Follow Attorney General’s Guidance and Reinstate Ballot Drop Boxes

Luzerne County, PAOctober 4, 2024 − Senator Flynn has called for the immediate reinstatement of mail ballot drop boxes in Luzerne County following a response from the Attorney General’s office. In the letter, the Attorney General clearly stated that only the Luzerne County Board of Elections has the legal authority to make decisions about ballot drop boxes, not county officials acting alone.

“This response from the Attorney General is clear: only the Luzerne County Board of Elections has the authority to make decisions about the election,” said Senator Flynn. “The Attorney General emphasized that going around this process not only threatens fair voting access but could also lead to legal consequences. This confirms that the County Manager’s decision to remove the drop boxes went beyond her legal power.”

The Attorney General’s letter outlined that if the County Manager doesn’t comply with the Board of Elections’ lawful orders, there could be civil or criminal consequences. This message highlights the importance of following election laws to ensure fair voting access.

“Ensuring public confidence in voting is essential. I’m urging Luzerne County officials to work directly with the Board of Elections to bring back these drop boxes so that our election remains accessible and fair,” said Senator Flynn. “The people of Luzerne County deserve easy and legal access to vote.”

Senator Flynn will be closely watching this issue to make sure that Luzerne County officials follow the Attorney General’s directive, supporting accessible and fair voting for all.

For more information, please contact Senator Flynn’s office at 570-207-2881.