Nearly $2 million in LSA grant funding awarded for critical infrastructure projects
Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski October 23, 2024 | 1:41 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 – State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski today announced that $1,959,831 in Local Share Account Program grants have been approved for projects throughout the community.
“As servants to our community, we are constantly working to bring money back to our districts,” said Pashinski. “This funding, that comes from our gaming money here in Luzerne County and across the state, often act as the catalyst to propel the beginning of work on projects that invest into the longevity of critical infrastructure that keeps our community up to date and in the best shape it can be. I must thank Sen. Marty Flynn, who worked alongside me to help secure this funding.”
“These LSA funds will make a real difference in our communities by enhancing public safety, improving infrastructure and expanding recreational opportunities,” said Flynn. “I'm excited to see these projects come to life and positively impact our residents.”
Grants awarded include:
- $650,000 to the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza - This project includes removing 14-year-old HVAC equipment, such as a cooling tower, existing skid mounted pumps, heat exchangers and accessories, as well as the installation of a new cooling tower that can serve the same capacity at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Additionally, this includes reconnection of the existing piping, insulation for the heat pump loop piping and chilled water piping, providing new controls for the cooling tower and pumping system, and providing startup and training of the new HVAC equipment.
- $250,000 for Hazle Street Retaining Wall Repair - The proposed project will repair additional sections of one retaining wall within the city. LSA funds were previously awarded for this project, but after closer inspection, it was discovered that the wall has more extensive structural issues that must be addressed.
- $250,000 to King’s College Occupational Therapy Program Equipment - This project involves the purchase of hands-on learning equipment for occupational therapy, including CPR dummies, AED machines, hospital beds, medical carts, ultrasound devices, intubation equipment, parallel bars and other occupational therapy equipment. This equipment will be used by students within the King's College occupational therapy doctoral program to gain high-level, patient care practice.
- $250,000 for the Riverfront Parking Garage - The project consists of constructing a two=floor garage which will contain 70 parking spaces on each level, resulting in a total of 140 additional parking spots for the downtown of Wilkes-Barre. WBIDA will own and maintain the parking garage.
- $179,250 for the Plains Legion Building Renovations - Legion Post 558 is a community center for veterans and their families, as well as the meeting place for the local Honor Guard, which performs burial services for veterans. The post has fallen into disrepair. The project will include demolition, a new rubber membrane roofing, LVP flooring and the installation of a security system.
- $176,367 for the Catholic Youth Center of Wyoming Valley Passenger Vans - Presently, the Catholic Youth Center provides transportation to/from the Wilkes-Barre area, Wyoming Valley West and Hanover Area school districts. This is for the purchase of three new vans to replace three (out of a fleet of five) vans that are necessary to transport 80 children from the CYC to school, pick up 140 children after school, and return them to the CYC. This project will purchase three 2024 Chevrolet Express 2500 10-passenger vans. Ten-passenger vans (a state requirement for transporting children) are no longer manufactured, and each new van must be retrofitted to meet the state standards.
- $121,189 for the Plains Township North Main Street – Hilldale drainage project - Plains Township is experiencing pooling water during heavy rain that poses a hazard to drivers on busy North Main Street. The township is planning to install new catch basins and 15-inch piping to Hilldale Avenue and Penn Street to resolve the issue. The project will also include pavement restoration.
- $44,175 for the Laurel Run Fire Department Feasibility Study - The proposed project will complete an engineering feasibility study consisting of a topographic survey, evaluation of stormwater management and conceptual floor plans, to construct a new fire department building and analyze alternative locations for the new facility.
- $38,850 for the Plains Township Police 2024 Chevy Tahoe - The proposed project is to purchase a new Chevy Tahoe to add to the existing fleet and provide a more reliable vehicle for the police department.
The Statewide Local Share Account funding comes from the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, which provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.