Pashinski, Flynn, Argall announce more than $2M in state grants for local improvement projects
Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski May 21, 2026 | 1:18 PM
HARRISBURG, May 21 – State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski and state Sens. Marty Flynn and David Argall today announced that more than $2 million in Local Share Account grants were awarded to support community improvement, public safety, infrastructure, recreation, and economic-development projects throughout the greater Wilkes-Barre area.
The funding will help municipalities, nonprofits and local organizations with projects designed to improve the quality of life in the area, strengthen public safety services and invest in long-term community development.
“These grants represent meaningful investments in our communities and will help improve public spaces, strengthen local services and support important infrastructure upgrades,” said Pashinski, D-Luzerne. “I am proud to work with our state and local partners to help secure funding that directly benefits residents throughout our region.”
Highlights of approved grants are:
- Bear Creek Township – municipal building renovations - $66,869.
- Buck Township – Purchase new turnout gear for Shades Creek Volunteer Fire Department - $60,166.
- Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority – Rehab of railroad infrastructure along the Luzerne and Susquehanna Line in Wilkes-Barre City, Plains Twp., and Duryea Borough – $19,267.
- Wilkes-Barre City – Allied Services elevator upgrades - $200,000.
- Wilkes-Barre City – Computer infrastructure upgrades at multiple city buildings - $86,555.
- Wilkes-Barre City – Purchase of advanced life support ambulance for use by WBFD - $367,471.
- Wilkes-Barre City – Safety and security upgrades to King’s College - $275,000.
- Wilkes-Barre City – Purchase of two digital message boards for use within the city - $51,700.
- Wilkes-Barre City – Downtown public square pathway improvements - $391,324.
- Wilkes-Barre City – Lighting and fountain upgrades at the Millennium Circle portion of River Commons - $199,000.
- Wilkes-Barre City – Purchase equipment that will be used for Wilkes University’s new nursing simulation at the Stark Learning Center - $325,000.
- Wilkes-Barre City – On behalf of Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball to install field lighting at Bog Public Park – $88,933.
- Wilkes-Barre Township – On behalf of the Luzerne County Convention Center to install drainage/stormwater system at Mohegan Arena - $284,000.
“This funding will support improvements that people will see and feel in their everyday lives, from safer roads and upgraded emergency equipment to better parks, stronger community facilities, and investments that help local organizations continue serving residents,” said Flynn, D-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Monroe.
“I am pleased that Bear Creek Township and Buck Township were awarded this highly competitive funding for important infrastructure upgrades and increased community safety,” said Argall, R- Carbon/Luzerne/Schuylkill.
Pashinski said that the state investments will help municipalities and organizations complete projects that might otherwise be delayed due to rising construction and operational costs.
“These projects will have a lasting impact on our communities by improving public infrastructure, enhancing recreational opportunities and supporting organizations that provide critical services to our residents,” Pashinski said.
Local Share Account grants are funded through revenue generated by gaming and are administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects that enhance economic development, public infrastructure and community vitality.