In the News

Massive federal spending packages that included COVID-19 relief also appropriated more money for programs that have repeatedly benefitted Northeast Pennsylvania, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright said.

The programs include money meant to help pay for things like managing storm runoff, sprucing up mine-scarred land and expanding access to broadband internet service.

Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti said the new appropriations could help the city.

“Funds for stormwater management, increased broadband, housing and VA medical care jump out as urgent needs here in Scranton,” Cognetti said.

Cartwright, who expects to take over chairmanship of a House Appropriations Committee subcommittee next month, said the new money should help produce or keep local jobs. He expects his staff to get more aggressive about finding grants for local entities.

“When I’m in that position, it only makes sense for me to make doubly sure that our local agencies, and our municipalities and our police and fire companies, are applying for these grants. So 2021 will be a year when our economic development specialists, our grant assistance, will be moving into overdrive,” Cartwright said.