Pashinski: $1.33 million awarded for local projects

Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski    March 16, 2023 | 4:11 PM

HARRISBURG, March 16 – State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski said the Commonwealth Financing Authority today approved more than $1.33 million in grants for Luzerne County projects in his legislative district.

“This significant influx of state funding will be used toward important safety upgrades in Wilkes-Barre and allow Plains Township to replace outdated vehicles. I would like to thank Senator Marty Flynn for supporting these projects and the CFA board and my leadership team for ensuring that the grants could be approved in a timely manner,” said Pashinski, D-Luzerne.

Pashinski said the funding was provided through the Multimodal Transportation Fund and the State Local Share Account that are administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

Grants awarded include:

Plains Township

  • $400,000 to purchase a new fire truck pumper for the Plains Township Fire Department. The apparatus would replace an existing fire truck pumper that has significant engine issues and a rusting body. The new fire truck pumper will augment the existing fire truck fleet and provide a reliable first response.
  • $126,604 for the Department of Public Works to purchase a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 5500 Dump Truck with a plow package and a 2022 Chevrolet 2500 Silverado with plow attachment. These vehicles will be used by the department to do road work, patching, storm work, snow removal, and general public works activities.

Wilkes-Barre City

  • $250,000 for the repairs of two retaining walls along Hazle Street and Madison Street located within the city. The retaining walls were built in the 1930s and they have long since exceeded their life expectancy, but they continue to be the only protection for residents, visitors and business owners along these streets. The Madison Street retaining wall is 31 feet long and 10 feet high and extends between East Chestnut and Elm streets. The Hazle Street retaining wall is 110 feet long and 22 feet high and extends from Stanton to Dana streets.
  • $150,000, on behalf of The Wyoming Valley Art League, for the WVAL Building Capital Improvements project. WVAL is planning to address a comprehensive capital improvements project of its building, known as the Circle Centre of the Arts, with a focus on three aspects of construction and renovation. The first is the installation of an elevator system, new lobby entrance, and enhanced accessibility points. The second aspect is the renovation of rest rooms for improved accessibility and energy efficiency, the upgrade to HVAC and security systems, the renovations of two galleries, art studio, and archive storage area. The third aspect is the renovation of a WVAL-owned adjoining space for planned use as art studio, instruction and exhibit center.

Wilkes University

  • $400,000 for sidewalk and streetscape improvements along South Main Street in Wilkes-Barre.