Senator Lisa Baker, Senator Rosemary Brown, Representative Jonathan Fritz, and Representative Jeff Olsommer have announced the approval of more than $4.6 million in funding for environmental, recreational, and community improvement projects across Susquehanna, Wayne, and Pike counties. The funds were distributed through several programs managed by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), including the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program (GTRP) and statewide Local Share Account (LSA) funding.
“These grants represent important investments in our environment, public spaces and local infrastructure,” said Baker. “Whether it’s restoring waterways, expanding recreational opportunities or supporting essential municipal projects, this funding will help communities strengthen quality of life while planning responsibly for the future.”
Brown stated: “These investments strengthen our communities, preserve our natural resources and improve our quality of life. I’m proud to work alongside my colleagues to support projects that reflect local priorities that will make a real lasting impact here at home.”
Fritz added: “Pleased to announce numerous key investments in the district. Advocating for first responder funds, infrastructure upgrades, economic development and quality of life improvements is a priority of mine. These are your dollars and seeing them properly invested in the 111th district is far preferable to watching them go elsewhere.”
Olsommer commented: “Investing in our communities is the right thing to do. Funding like this goes a long way, offering countless opportunities for enjoyment and recreation and helping families enjoy a better quality of life today and into the future.”
Approved GTRP grants include $192,500 for Susquehanna County and $445,000 for Wayne County. Additionally, nearly $4 million in LSA funding was allocated across Pike ($681,500), Susquehanna ($1,139,058), and Wayne ($2,137,783) counties.
The Local Share Account program uses gaming revenues generated by the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act (Act 71 of 2004) to fund public interest projects within Pennsylvania. The GTRP program is funded by Act 13 of 2012’s Marcellus Legacy Fund to support greenways, trails, parks, open spaces, and beautification efforts.
The CFA was created as an independent agency under the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development in 2004 to manage economic stimulus initiatives.
