FY23 Community Project Funding Requests

Mayor Bob Bennie, who lauded Cartwright for his work and support, said the project took on a new sense of urgency last month when officers discovered mold at their since-shuttered police station on River Street.

“The people and businesses of Pittston are incredibly appreciative that our downtown revitalization project has been selected as one of Congressman Cartwright’s Community Project Funding designees,” Pittston Mayor Michael Lombardo said. “Businesses here see the economic value this new performing arts center will bring as it rounds out the long-time vision we’ve had for our downtown.”

Over $10 million in funding is being used to fund projects in Wayne, Pike and Monroe counties. Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-08) made the announcement Tuesday that the funding, totaling $10.4 million, will fund new construction at the Pocono Mountains Municipal Airport, a storm pipe replacement project, and a major road repair and paving project for State Route 590.

“I am thrilled to build off last year’s success with this new round of $61 million in project funding that’s aimed at creating jobs, driving local economic growth and improving the quality of life for our communities,” Cartwright said.

“All of these projects are aimed at creating jobs, driving economic growth and improving quality of life for the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania,” Cartwright said during a press conference.

“The University of Scranton is grateful to Congressman Cartwright for his support and encouragement as we seek a Community Projects Funding grant,” according to a statement from the university. “If approved, the grant would help to fund a new university center that leverages academic strengths in health and science that have long been part of our educational offerings and outreach to the community. At the same time, it would enhance our growing expertise in cybercrime, homeland security and cyber security.”

“I don’t think we can ever responsibly forget about the arts when you’re talking about economic development and commercial development,” Cartwright said. “The arts are what attract people. And they don’t just come in to listen to the show, watch the show. They come in and they stay overnight, they eat in the restaurants, they shop in the shops, they go through the art galleries. It’s just a win when you have a performing arts center where you didn’t have one before.”

“Milford Borough appreciates the funding of the first phase of stormwater upgrades and other repairs to its aging infrastructure,” Council President Joseph Dooley said. “These funds will go a long way to improve the services we are able to provide our residents and business owners alike to attract more investment in our community. We would not be able to fund these improvements without monies received through the efforts of Congressman Cartwright.”

Other local projects to be funded from the spending package include $3 million for the demolition and construction of the Greenwood Hose Company/Moosic Borough Joint Fire and Public Safety Station, $2 million for Lackawanna College to create a Center for Technology Innovation and nearly $2 million in funding for local YMCAs to contract with organizations in their communities for mental health and substance abuse support services.