PIKE and WAYNE COUNTIES, PA — State grants totaling $929,713 were awarded to projects in Pike and Wayne counties through the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

The grants were announced by Senator Lisa Baker (R, 20) and representatives Jonathan Fritz (R, 111), and Jeff Olsommer (R, 139). They will be used to upgrade municipal buildings, maintenance equipment, and infrastructure, among others.

Baker said that local officials and community leaders frequently bring up these projects during their discussions, but they “often don’t align with existing operating budgets.”

She said the local share funds from gaming revenue enable a diverse range of initiatives: such as equipment acquisition, facility renovations, infrastructure expansion, and community protection upgrades: to progress more swiftly. These competitive awards acknowledge that these communities are well-managed and that the proposed projects are both practical and essential.”

The benefiting municipalities in Pike County, and the funding they will get, are as follows:

• Matamoras Borough: $45,000 for a new police vehicle
• Lackawaxen Township Volunteer Fire Department: $100,000 for an airboat and related safety equipment
• Veterans Memorial Park and Education Center: $75,000 for the construction of historical monuments
• Shohola Township: $100,000 to buy road maintenance equipment
• Westfall Township: $100,000 to upgrade the municipal building

The approved projects in Wayne County include:

• Berlin Township: $32,000 to upgrade the community center
• Canaan Township: $190,933 to reconstruct the Mican Road bridge
• Dyberry Township: $90,160 to buy maintenance equipment
• Honesdale Borough: $16,520 to expand the Honesdale Central Park stage and add a ramp
• Paupack Township: $60,000 to build a salt shed
• Preston Township: $120,100 to buy road maintenance equipment

Olsommer said local communities “will be able to enhance public safety, provide better services, and improve the quality of life for our residents.”

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct information about the Honesdale Central Park stage, which will not be replaced, as was mistakenly reported originally.  Honesdale Borough Councilman James Hamill said the stage was purchased in 2023 with other funds, and that this year's grant will be used to expand the stage and add a ramp. The River Reporter regrets the error.