Seventeen new projects, focusing on youth, recreation, mine and coal history, seniors, safety, skills development, veterans and outdoor improvements to mention a cross section, were approved for funding by the Lackawanna County Commissioners through their Community Re-Invest Program totaling $178,000.
The Community Re-Invest Program was established in July of 2013. It represents the “last mile” funding to help bring the initiatives to fruition. The overall public-private investment to date is $2,585, 390.
“This is a great program – community changing. It has shaped the landscape of our area,” said Commissioner Patrick M. O’Malley. “It is vital to give back because these ventures, and others like them, trigger additional growth in Lackawanna County.”
“Our neighborhoods are the backbone of our area. This program continues to enhance the overall appearance of our cities and townships, while also creating a variety of economic, recreation and business opportunities,” explained Commissioner Jerry Notarianni.
“The Community Re-Invest Program is a true partnership with our communities and various civic groups. It is about making a big difference, and I am proud to play a role in creating new opportunities and recreational amenities up and down the valley,” noted Commissioner Laureen A. Cummings.
“These projects highlight the Commissioners’ commitment to Lackawanna County’s communities, neighborhoods and quality of life. This program has been vital for leveraging new growth and making “dreams come true,” explained George Kelly, the County’s Director of Economic Development.
The projects that were approved during this round of funding include:
Applicant: Greater Carbondale YMCA
Project Description: Safety and wellness improvements including parking lot improvements (blacktop repairs), repairing water damaged sections of the preschool and gym floors, new outside lighting on Church Street, new energy efficient gym lighting, three new treadmills, and a bounce house.
Total Project Cost: $45,000
Amount from CRP Program: $20,000
Applicant: Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Railway Historical Society
Project Description: Funds will be used at the Moscow passenger and freight stations. Improvements will include converting broken electric heating system to gas, insulating the attic, and replacing a window lintel.
Total Project Cost: $10,254
Amount from CRP Program: $7,500
Applicant: Coal Miners Remembered
Project Description: Monument to honor the coal miners of Blakely Borough.
Total Project Cost: $26,500
Amount from CRP Program: $6,000
Applicant: Sherwood Youth Association
Project Description: Upgrade pavilion at Sherwood Park to include improved lighting, flooring, bathrooms, and additional electric outlets.
Total Project Cost: $23,258
Amount from CRP Program: $9,000
Applicant: Dunmore Historical Association
Project Description: Funds will be used for water control and energy efficiency by installing rain gutters and insulation at the Historical Society Building.
Total Project Cost: $12,726
Amount from CRP Program: $10,000
Applicant: Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority
Project Description: Funds will be used toward construction of a pavilion at the Laurel Street Trailhead in Archbald.
Total Project Cost: $40,090
Amount from CRP Program: $6,000
Applicant: St. Cats of Scranton
Project Description: Rehabilitation of the former Nay Aug Park Zoo building that is currently being used to house and spay feral cats.
Total Project Cost: $40,000
Amount from CRP Program: $2,000
Applicant: Olyphant Borough
Project Description: Installation of new sidewalks along Delaware Avenue between Lackawanna Avenue and Grant Street.
Total Project Cost: $20,000
Amount from CRP Program: $15,000
Applicant: Northeast Center for Independent Living
Project Description: Purchase new computers for the CIL’S transitional skills center. The new center facilitates the instruction and teaching of daily life skills to participants with physical, developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Total Project Cost: $850,000
Amount from CRP Program: $15,000
Applicant: Benton Township
Project Description: Grant money will used at the community center to update unisex bathroom in order to bring it up to code.
Total Project Cost: $11,820
Amount from CRP Program: $10,000
Applicant: Abington Senior Community Center
Project Description: Expansion of the parking area to provide a safe environment for the elderly who participate in the various activities offered at the center.
Total Project Cost: $31,821
Amount from CRP Program: $15,000
Applicant: Electric City Trolley Association
Project Description: Grant money will used to purchase eight new profile wheels to allow Scranton Transit Trolley #505 to be used for excursion service.
Total Project Cost: $14,118
Amount from CRP Program: $10,000
Applicant: Friends of the Poor
Project Description: Renovations including signage, a door, locks, shelving and office equipment at the new facility for the Clothes Line for Men program. The University of Scranton is allowing the agency to utilize a former vacant property on Linden Street. Also need to purchase items of clothing that are difficult to obtain through donation.
Total Project Cost: $17,000
Amount from CRP Program: $12,500
Applicant: Jessup Hose Company #2
Project Description: Construction of a building to house trailers and emergency equipment and supplies, including the county-supplied hazardous material stockpile.
Total Project Cost: $20,000
Amount from CRP Program: $10,000
Applicant: Taylor American Legion Post 306
Project Description: Renovations and energy updates to the Meeting Hall, which serves as a place for Taylor area veterans to meet and participate in various activities. Energy updates will include new air conditioning and LED lighting. Renovations will involve new flooring and shelving.
Total Project Cost: $24,610
Amount from CRP Program: $12,500
Applicant: Elmhurst-Roaring Brook Volunteer Fire Company
Project Description: Purchase a backup generator for the new fire station to allow the facility to handle EMA operations and serve as an emergency shelter during a prolonged power outage.
Total Project Cost: $13,800
Amount from CRP Program: $10,000
Applicant: Old Forge Sons of Italy
Project Description: Construction of a pavilion over the existing bocce courts at Arcaro & Genell’s Restaurant that is used by the Sons of Italy for several non-profit fundraising events. The courts are available for public usage.
Total Project Cost: $65,000
Amount from CRP Program: $20,000
Projects will continue to be reviewed and funded throughout 2016. Boroughs, municipalities, townships and nonprofit entities are encouraged to submit applications for projects that are ready to start so that the Community Re-Invest Program can help to successfully complete them.
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