Almost $2.3 Million Awarded to Local Monroe County Projects, Say Brown, Rader

January 22, 2020

HARRISBURG – Seeking to develop and improve Monroe County communities, Reps. Rosemary Brown (R-Monroe/Pike) and Jack Rader (R-Monroe) announced today that Monroe County will see approximately $2.3 million in state funds from the gaming-funded Local Share Account (LSA) grants and Pipeline Investment Program grants.

“These area projects are vital to develop and enhance economic and environmental growth here in Monroe County,” said Brown. “I am happy to see so many major projects will be aided from these funds.”

“These important projects are good for the district and Monroe County, and I am pleased they were approved for funding,” said Rader. “In addition to their economic impact, they also serve the public interest and community improvement, helping to enhance the quality of life for all residents.”

The LSA-funded projects are as follows:

Chestnuthill Township received $225,000 to construct a centralized, emergency medical services building, including fire, medical, and operations functions, which will serve residents of Chestnuthill, Jackson, Eldred, Ross, Polk and Hamilton townships.

Middle Smithfield Township received $51,975 for energy efficiency renovations to the former Marshall’s Creek Volunteer Fire Company fire station location which will allow the building to serve as a warming station and emergency shelter for the community.

Monroe County Industrial Development Authority received:

• $60,116 for West End Pantry Renovation Project.
• $25,641 for the Eldred Township Historical Society’s old Kunkletown Post Office renovations.
• $24,138 for the Lehigh Valley Hospital Network’s hospice house healing garden project in East Stroudsburg.
• $15,696 for the Clymer Library roof and filing cabinet project.
• $161,304 for the Belmont Pike Properties HOP improvement for redevelopment of Old Saylor’s Inn property.
• $161,304 for the Barley Creek Associates, LP wastewater treatment facility expansion upgrades.
• $52,547 for the Polk Township Volunteer Fire Company cascade air system project.
• $25,000 for the VALOR Clinic Foundation vehicle purchase project.
• $51,097 for the Monroe County Municipal Waste Management Authority deep collection vehicle purchase.
• $291,522 for repairs to three sewage treatment facilities in order to transfer ownership to the Mount Pocono Municipal Authority.

Pocono Mountain Industrial Park Authority received $565,957 to install pipe along a township right-of-way and private land to be able to provide public water service to a planned Vigon International expansion and the existing Silverback Distillery in addition to other business and planned residential areas.

The CFA-funded projects are as follows:

Pocono Mountain Industries Inc. was awarded $231,110 for the extension of 2,700 feet of natural gas pipeline along Airport and Airstrip Roads as well as 300 feet of trenching and backflll, engineering, inspection, and administration costs in Smithfield Township, Monroe County. The gasline will serve a new 130,000 square foot building being constructed by Vigon International. The new building, which is an expansion of existing Vigon facilities in Monroe County, is estimated to create 75 new jobs. Total project cost is $462,221. Airstrip Road DC, LLC will provide matching funds in the amount of $231,111.

Lehigh Valley Economic Investment Corporation was awarded $324,061 for the extension of natural gas service to the existing residential area of Lindbergh Avenue, Queen Street, Avenue A, Avenue B, Avenue C, Horizon Drive, Red Maple Lane and Scarlet Oak Lane in Stroud Township, Monroe County. The new pipeline will then tie into the existing gas facilities on Philips Street in Stroud Township. Approximately 17,300 feet of gas line will be installed by UGI along the township right of way making natural gas available to232 residential parcels and 5 to 10 businesses. The grant will help fund the extension of approximately 17,300 linear feet of pipeline and will also make natural gas service available to 5 to 10 businesses. Total project cost is $648,123. UGI will provide matching funds in the amount of $324,062.

The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to administer Pennsylvania's economic stimulus packages. The CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania's economic growth.

Under Act 71 (the Gaming Act), Monroe County and its five contiguous counties of Carbon, Lackawanna, Northampton, Pike and Wayne are eligible for LSA grant funding for projects concerning the public interest, community improvement, economic development, and roadway improvement.

Representative Rosemary M. Brown
189th Leglislative District
Representative Jack Rader
176th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Brown media contact: Abby Krueger
akrueger@pahousegop.com
Rader media contact: Andy Briggs
abriggs@pahousegop.com