Pashinski announces over $2 million in funding for community projects

Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski    May 21, 2024 | 4:54 PM

HARRISBURG, May 21 – State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski today announced that $2,230,498 in Local Share Account Program grants have been approved for projects throughout the community.

“I am glad to bring significant gaming funds back to the community that will help stimulate our economy here in Luzerne County and beyond,” said Pashinski. “I am very pleased to announce 12 community projects that will benefit from the local share awards that are generated from our PA gaming industry. These grants are designed to enhance the quality of life for our residents in Wilkes-Barre City, Plains Township and Bear Creek Township. These awards were made possible through the support of Senator Marty Flynn and Sen. Dave Argall, who provided the following comments:”

“I’m thankful for my excellent partnership with Representative Pashinski in turning these requests into realities for the people of Luzerne County,” said Argall. “These highly competitive funds will improve the quality of life for Bear Creek Township residents.”

"These projects represent our continued commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all residents in Luzerne County," said Flynn. "From upgrading emergency response equipment to revitalizing community parks and historic sites, these initiatives will foster a safer, healthier, and more vibrant community for all."

Grants awarded to Wilkes-Barre City include:

  • $400,000 for the rehabilitation of the Mill Creek Brookside Levee System, which includes replacing a bent sluice gate, levee raising and restoration, replacing or removing stormwater pipes, relocating stormwater control gates, installing a backup emergency generator, modifying a sill, implementing a vegetative maintenance plan, raising manholes, cleaning channels and ditches, maintaining the pump station, constructing a new access road to the pump station, replacing riprap, and adding permanent levee access.
  • $320,195 for the replacement of the existing roof at the Sherman Street Properties Business Center, which includes the installation of new insulation boards to bring it up to current safety standards and requirements.
  • $300,000 for renovations of the Irem Temple, including the installation of an elevator and the replacement of windows in the Irem Temple.
  • $250,000 for renovations and overhaul of the First Floor of 67-69 Public Square, including demolition spanning 15,800 square feet, elevator renovation, replacement of the storefront entrance and entrance doors.
  • $200,000 for renovations of the Circle Center for the Arts building, which includes upgrading the HVAC and security systems, installing an elevator, constructing an ADA compliant lobby entrance and accessibility points.
  • $155,701 for emergency response equipment upgrades at Wilkes University, which includes installation of security camera systems at three locations on campus, the addition of a public address speaker system at the student union building, and the purchase of interagency compatible radio systems.
  • $150,000 for exterior renovations to the Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre, which includes the replacement of approximately 9,450 square feet of roof with new rubber membrane roofing and the repointing and repair of exterior masonry and flashing.
  • $150,000 for roof replacement of the Bishop Memorial Library, which includes the removal of the existing, asbestos-containing roof.
  • $131,000 to install a restroom in the children’s wing of the Osterhout Free Library in Wilkes-Barre City.

Grants awarded to Plains Township include:

  • $71,175 to purchase training mannequins for use at the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center.

Grants awarded to Bear Creek Township include:

  • $56,508 to purchase road maintenance equipment for use by the public works department in Bear Creek Township.
  • $45,919 for renovations to the Bear Creek Recreational Park, which includes installation of a 2000-foot walking trail encompassing the perimeter of the park’s sports fields. Additionally, the project will construct dugouts at the softball field, which currently has only aluminum benches offering players no protection from the elements and replace the aging fence around the park.

LSA grant funding is provided by gaming revenues and administered through the Commonwealth Financing Authority, which was established in 2004 to administer Pennsylvania's economic stimulus packages.