Seventeen new projects, focusing on youth, recreation, mine and coal history, seniors, safety, skills development, veterans and outdoor improvements to mention a cross section, were approved for funding by the Lackawanna County Commissioners through their Community Re-Invest Program totaling $178,000.       

Two Dunmore organizations were included in the funding, including Sherwood Youth Association which received $9,000 from the CRP Program toward a total project cost of $23,258 to upgrade the pavilion at Sherwood Park to include improved lighting, flooring, bathrooms, and additional electric outlets.

Dunmore Historical Association also received $10,000 from the CRP Program toward a total project cost of $12,726 to be used for water control and energy efficiency by installing rain gutter and insulation at the Historical Society Building.

The Community Re-Invest Program was established in July of 2013.  It represents the “last mile” funding to help bring the initiatives to fruition. The overall public-private investment to date is      $2,585,390.     

“This is a great program – community changing.  It has shaped the landscape of our area,” said Commissioner Patrick M. O’Malley. “It is vital to give back because these ventures, and others like them, trigger additional growth in Lackawanna County.”               

“Our neighborhoods are the backbone of our area.  This program continues to enhance the overall appearance of our cities and townships, while also creating a variety of economic, recreation and business opportunities,” explained Commissioner Jerry Notarianni.   

“The Community Re-Invest Program is a true partnership with our communities and various civic groups.  It is about making a big difference, and I am proud to play a role in creating new opportunities and recreational amenities up and down the valley,” noted Commissioner Laureen A. Cummings.     

“These projects highlight the Commissioners’ commitment to Lackawanna County’s communities, neighborhoods and quality of life.  This program has been vital for leveraging new growth and making “dreams come true,” explained George Kelly, the County’s Director of Economic Development.

Other  projects that were approved during this round of funding include: Greater Carbondale YMCA, Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Railway Historical Society in Moscow; Coal Miners Remembered in Blakely Borough; Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority for Laurel Street Trailhead, Archbald; St. Cat’s of Scranton at the Nay Aug Zoo; Olyphant Borough for new sidewalks; Northeast Center for Independent Living, for new computers; Benton Township for bathroom update; Abington Senior Community Center for parking area expansion; Electric City Trolley Association for new wheels; Friends of the Poor for equipment for new facility for Clothes Line for Men program; Jessup Hose Company #2 for construction of building to house equipment; Taylor American Legion Post 306, for renovations to meeting hall; Elmhurst-Roaring Brook Volunteer Fire Company for backup generator, and Old Forge Sons of Italy for construction of a pavilion over bocce courts.

Projects will continue to be reviewed and funded throughout 2016.  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.