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First Posted: 4/24/2014

Six new projects were approved for funding by the Lackawanna County Commissioners on April 23 through the Community Re-Invest Program that focused on strengthening our recreational facilities, human services operations, veterans organizations, youth fields and art centers.

The funding for the six projects totals $72,122.

To date, the Commissioners have approved financing for 38 projects totaling $558,064 as part of the Community and Economic Development Department’s budget.

“These additional projects clearly demonstrate the ongoing commitment of Commissioners Wansacz, O’Brien and O’Malley to focus on strengthening every segment of our County,” said George Kelly, the County’s Director of Community and Economic Development. “A vital part of our economic development program is to improve our neighborhoods, recreational opportunities, youth facilities and the agencies that serve our residents. These projects show corporations that we have a genuine concern for all of the facets that make-up our community, which in turn helps us to attract new business opportunities here.”

The projects that were approved during this round of funding include:

1. Applicant: The Gathering Place (Clarks Summit)

Project Description: This is a newly-created entity of the Abington Area Community Classroom. It will be housed in the former fire company on the first floor of the Clarks Summit Municipal Building. The organization offers community arts and educational programs. The Community Re-Invest funds will be utilized to construct a Gallery Room within the community center.

Total Project Cost: $346,023

Amount from CRP Program: $30,000

2. Applicant: Lackawanna Valley Trout Unlimited (Scranton)

Project Description: Lackawanna River beautification and construction of a handicap-accessible fishing site adjacent to the river at Poplar Street in Scranton.

Total Project Cost: $24,000

Amount from CRP Program: $12,000

3. Applicant: Jessup American Legion Post 411

Project Description: ADA-compliant renovations to the Legion’s restrooms.

Total Project Cost: $2,735

Amount from CRP Program: $2,735

4. Applicant: Jermyn Borough

Project Description: Repair and refinish the gym floor in the borough building, replacement of all swings, new protective cover for chain link fence at ball field, replacement of metal slide, and replacement of mulch and walking trail material.

Total Project Cost: $10,487

Amount from CRP Program: $9,987

5. Applicant: North Scranton Vikings (Scranton)

Project Description: This project involves the purchase and installation of new bleachers at the Cayuga Street football field.

Total Project Cost: $19,575

Amount from CRP Program: $9,200

6. Applicant: Bread Basket of NEPA (Scranton/Old Forge)

Project Description: Purchase of four large-capacity freezers for food storage at the central warehouse site on Vine Street and materials for an emergency food-pantry site to serve Old Forge, Taylor and Moosic.

Total Project Cost: $11,200

Amount from CRP Program: $8,200

Projects will continue to be reviewed and funded throughout 2014. 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.