Twenty new projects, focusing on sports, science, youth, public safety, social service and outdoor improvements to mention a cross section, were approved for funding by the Lackawanna County Commissioners through their Community Re-Invest Program totaling $195,580. The public-private partnership investment for 2017 is $1,058,400.
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 since its inception is $4,579,834.
“This program continues to enhance the overall expansion of our communities. It generates a spin-off effect for other projects for the contractors and local businesses who supply labor and materials for the ventures,” explained Commissioner Patrick M. O’Malley.
“Community Re-Invest is quite possibly the most important program in our economic development tool box. It has reshaped the landscape of our area,” said Commissioner Jerry Notarianni. “The program affords us an opportunity to give back and watch how these ventures trigger new growth in Lackawanna County.”
“I am proud to play a role in supporting worthwhile projects up and down our valley. Community Re-Invest Program has made a big difference for a lot of people, groups and communities,” noted Commissioner Laureen A. Cummings.
“These projects represent the Commissioners’ continued commitment to our people, neighborhoods, and the economic growth of our area,” explained George Kelly, the County’s Director of Economic Development.
The projects that were approved during this round of funding include:
Applicant: TRIBORO SOCCER
Project Description: Purchase and install a 329’ long x 6’ high safety fence to separate the parking lot from the soccer field.
Total Project Cost: $13,500
Amount from CRP Program: $8,000
Applicant: WESTON PARK TEENER LEAGUE
Project Description: Replace netting and fence at a field owned by The City of Scranton.
Total Project Cost: $25,000
Amount from CRP Program: $20,000
Applicant: TRIBORO AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL (NOAKES PARK, TAYLOR)
Project Description: New fencing, batting cage repair, parking lot upgrades, lighting, and landscaping. The field is owned by Borough of Taylor.
Total Project Cost: $11,000
Amount from CRP Program: $8,000
Applicant: GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH SOCIETY OF NEPA (PECKVILLE)
Project Description: Replace roof and gutters.
Total Project Cost: $23,500
Amount from CRP Program: $10,000
Applicant: MOOSIC YOUTH CENTER
Project Description: Installation of air conditioning. The facility closes in July and August due to the heat and humidity in the building.
Total Project Cost: $44,500
Amount from CRP Program: $25,000
Applicant: GOODWILL INDUSTRIES
Project Description: Purchase of four passenger vans to support transportation services to persons with disabilities so they can participate in pre-employment and employment programs throughout the County.
Total Project Cost: $140,000
Amount from CRP Program: $10,000
Applicant: CLARKS SUMMIT BOROUGH
Project Description: Phase 2 of the Veterans Park improvement project, which includes bollards, light poles, safety lighting and landscaping.
Total Project Cost: $25,690
Amount from CRP Program: $10,000
Applicant: TAYLOR BOROUGH
Project Description: Construction of an 80’ x 40’ concrete splash pad at the Derenick Memorial Park, utilizing state grants. The Community Re-Invest grant would be part of the local match.
Total Project Cost: $275,500
Amount from CRP Program: $15,000
Applicant: COLUMBIA HOSE COMPANY (CARBONDALE)
Project Description: Major repairs to the meeting and social hall building at 83 South Main Street. The work entails a porch and entranceway repairs, insulting the third floor and attic, and replacing the tile floor on first floor.
Total Project Cost: $23,000
Amount from CRP Program: $10,000
Applicant: E.B. Jermyn Lodge 2/Fraternal Order of Police (SCRANTON)
Project Description: Renovations to four bathrooms at the newly-purchased property at 401 Railroad Avenue for ADA compliance, including flooring, walls, ADA sinks and toilets, new light fixtures, and ADA door.
Total Project Cost: $12,500
Amount from CRP Program: $10,000
Applicant: TAYLOR BOROUGH
Project Description: Upgrades to the Veterans Memorial at 700 S. Main Street, which include four bluestone benches, two bluestone slab walls with insignias engraved, landscaping, new LED lighting and replacement of flags.
Total Project Cost: $13,700
Amount from CRP Program: $5,000
Applicant: TAYLOR FIRE AND RESCUE
Project Description: Remodeling to the apparatus room at the Reynolds Avenue Station, including repair to the concrete floor, painting, lighting, and upgrade to heating system and floor drains.
Total Project Cost: $12,890
Amount from CRP Program: $8,000
Applicant: TAYLOR GIRLS SOFTBALL
Project Description: Purchase a new field tractor to cut the grass, rake the infield and haul dirt and supplies.
Total Project Cost: $12,000
Amount from CRP Program: $6,000
Applicant: CLIFTON TOWNSHIP
Project Description: Construction of an access road entrance per Penn DOT HOP specifications for entrance to the newly acquired Clifton Acres Park land.
Total Project Cost: $50,000
Amount from CRP Program: $10,000
Applicant: MEREDITH HOSE COMPANY (CARBONDALE TOWNSHIP)
Project Description: Construction of a second-floor emergency landing and stairway to bring the building into compliance with local and State building codes.
Total Project Cost: $6,900
Amount from CRP Program: $6,900
Applicant: LACKAWANNA HERITAGE VALLEY AUTHORITY (OLIVE STREET TRAILHEAD)
Project Description: Project is to provide infrastructure needed for the creation of a community pavilion that will serve as a gathering area for wellness programs and serve as an environmental classroom for nearby Scranton High School.
Total Project Cost: $96,725
Amount from CRP Program: $10,000
Applicant: AMERICAN LEGION POST 411 (JESSUP)
Project Description: Project is for renovations to the legion hall and kitchen, including wiring, wall paneling and flooring.
Total Project Cost: $9,221
Amount from CRP Program: $8,000
Applicant: DUNMORE ROTARY CLUB – WORLD WAR I MEMORIAL
Project Description: A monument, honoring those from Lackawanna County who lost their lives in World War I, will be erected adjacent to the tank at South Blakely and Cherry Streets.
Total Project Cost: $33,496
Amount from CRP Program: $7,500
Applicant: EVERHEART MUSEUM (SCRANTON)
Project Description: Emergency repairs to the HVAC system.
Total Project Cost: $30,518
Amount from CRP Program: $5,000
Applicant: BREAD BASKET OF NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA (COVINGTON TOWNSHIP)
Project Description: Freezer for food pantry.
Total Project Cost: $3,180
Amount from CRP Program: $3,180
Projects will continue to be reviewed and funded throughout 2017. 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.
