Luzerne Times

Two local projects in Luzerne County have been awarded a total of $3.9 million in state grants, according to Sen. Lisa Baker and Rep. Alec Ryncavage. The grants aim to invest in public health, environmental protection, and job creation, while also reducing costs for local taxpayers and ensuring compliance with clean water requirements.

Sen. Lisa Baker expressed the significance of these grants, stating, "The substantial money coming through these two grants is a crucial investment in public health, environmental protection, and job creation capacity. This lessens costs for local taxpayers, helps boost compliance with clean water requirements and paves the way for construction projects and jobs."

Rep. Alec Ryncavage added, "The nearly $4 million investment will enhance our infrastructure, ensuring the well-being of our communities by providing essential upgrades and protecting ratepayers' pockets."

One of the projects receiving funding is the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority (WVSA), which will be granted $3,500,000 of COVID-19 ARPA H2O PA funds. This funding will be used to install three pump stations and associated force mains in Hanover Township. Andy Reilly, the chief executive officer of WVSA, expressed gratitude for the grant, stating, "This grant will go a long way towards the financing of this vitally important infrastructure project for the entire southwestern portion of the WVSA's service area."

The second project receiving funding is Hanover Township, which will receive $421,934 in COVID-19 ARPA PA Small Water and Sewer funds. This funding will be used for the rehabilitation of the Soloman Creek Sanitary Interceptor. Sam Guesto, manager of Hanover Township, expressed appreciation for the award, saying, "Hanover Township is very appreciative for the award to rehabilitate the Solomon's Creek Interceptor. This important infrastructure project serves Hanover Township, Ashley Borough, and Wilkes-Barre Township."

Both projects are essential for the region, with the Soloman Creek Interceptor serving thousands of residences and hundreds of businesses, including those near the Mohegan Sun Arena. The rehabilitation of this interceptor will ensure that wastewater is transported in an environmentally safe manner to the treatment plant and allow for additional economic development in the critical areas of the region.

The grants were made possible through the H2O PA program and the SWS Program. The H2O PA program provides grants for the construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer projects, as well as flood control projects and the repair or rehabilitation of high-hazard unsafe dams. The SWS Program, on the other hand, provides grants for small water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure projects.

Overall, these grants will not only enhance the infrastructure of Luzerne County but also contribute to the well-being and economic development of the communities involved.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.senatorbaker.com/2023/12/19/baker-ryancavage-announce-nearly-4-million-for-2-local-projects/