Luzerne Times

Downtown Shenandoah Inc. (DSI) has received a state grant exceeding $1.76 million to support the second phase of redevelopment in the borough's business district. The announcement was made by Rep. Dane Watro and Sen. Dave Argall, who collaborated to secure this funding.

The grant will be allocated to completing the second floor of the Center for Education, Business and the Arts (CEBA) located on North Main Street. This phase includes establishing a health clinic, event center, and co-working spaces. Construction began earlier this summer on a previously vacant lot.

"The excitement is building in Shenandoah now that the project is underway," stated Watro. "I am a strong supporter of DSI and was happy to advocate for state funding to help complete Phase II of the work. CEBA is going to be much more than just bricks and mortar. It represents a collective commitment to creating a brighter future for the community."

Argall added, "The dedicated volunteers at DSI have worked for many years to breathe new life into their downtown and CEBA is the key to their plans. This highly competitive funding will assist them with constructing a health center, event space, and additional business incubator space – just one piece of their plans for a property that was a vacant and blighted eyesore just a few years ago."

The project's development has been ongoing for several years, receiving prior state support through efforts from Rep. Tim Twardzik and former Rep. Neal Goodman.

Karen Kenderdine, DSI president and treasurer, expressed optimism about CEBA's impact: "CEBA will be transformational. It will give people the opportunity to create jobs, not just look for them while giving them the tools they need to be the best they can be and move our community forward."

Susan Williams, DSI executive director, remarked on CEBA's current influence: "CEBA is already strengthening our community. New businesses are opening, blighted buildings are being removed and an increasing positive energy is happening. We are looking forward to this momentum continuing and are very thankful for this grant."

The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program administered by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. This program provides competitive grants aimed at enhancing public facilities that facilitate work, education, and health monitoring.