Probst brings home $2 million in state grants

Rep. Tarah Probst    May 21, 2024 | 11:27 AM

HARRISBURG, May 21 – State Rep. Tarah Probst is pleased to announce the Commonwealth Financing Authority today approved $2 million in state grants for various projects throughout Monroe and Pike counties.

“These grants are important on several levels. They ensure that municipalities can complete important infrastructure upgrades without raising local taxes, while at the same time improving recreational opportunities for residents,” said Probst, D-Monroe/Pike. “I advocated strongly to my leadership team and the CFA board that these projects should be funded and I thank them for responding with approval.”

Probst said the funding was acquired through the Local Share Account, which receives tax proceeds from Pennsylvania’s casinos.

The Monroe County Industrial Development Authority was awarded a total of $1.21 million for the following projects:

  • $423,588, on behalf of Family Promise of the Poconos, to acquire properties for affordable housing in East Stroudsburg.
  • $17,556, on behalf of Metamorphosis Women's Empowerment Initiative, to purchase a multipurpose van to facilitate feeding homebound women and their families in Stroudsburg.
  • $100,000, on behalf of the Pocono Center for the Arts, to purchase and renovate the building at 729 Main St. in Stroudsburg.
  • $310,000, on behalf of the Monroe County Historical Association, to purchase furniture and furnishings at the Stroud Mansion Museum in Stroudsburg. The project proposes to create a center for the visual and performing arts by acquiring and renovating a property.
  • $135,000, on behalf of the Pocono Family YMCA, to renovate its facility in Stroudsburg.
  • $50,000, on behalf of the Smithfield Sewer Authority, for phase 2 of the Seven Bridge Road sanitary sewer expansion in Smithfield Township.
  • $164,889, on behalf of the Stroud Area Regional Police Department, for two police vehicles for use throughout East Stroudsburg.
  • $10,000, on behalf of Twin Lakes Estates POA, to resolve stormwater drainage issues on Seven Bridge Road in Smithfield Township.

The Pike County Economic Development Authority was awarded a total of $250,000 for the following projects:

  • $50,000, on behalf of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, to replace and renovate a playground on church property in Delaware Township.
  • $75,000, on behalf of the Pocono Environmental Education Center, to replace three existing outdated/dilapidated cabins at the center in Dingman Township.
  • $50,000, on behalf of Pocono Ranch Lands, to replace a water storage tank in Lehman Township.
  • $75,000, on behalf of the Glen at Tamiment, to replace drainage pipes in Lehman Township.

Stroudsburg will use its $250,000 grant to rehabilitate and repair the Ann Street Parking Garage.

Delaware Water Gap will receive a $45,132 grant to purchase an emergency generator for the borough hall.

Working in conjunction with Rep. Maureen Madden, D-Monroe, Probst said the pair secured a $248,437 grant to Smithfield Township, on behalf of the Marshalls Creek Fire Co., for safety improvements to two fire stations located in Smithfield and Price townships. This project will install exhaust systems in both fire company garages, upgrade gear cleaning equipment, and upgrade fire detection and security equipment.