Watro, Argall Announce Nearly $875,000 in Grants for Luzerne County Communities

HAZLETON - Rep. Dane Watro (R-116) and Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) today announced nearly $875,000 in state grants have been awarded to improve public safety and recreational opportunities in southern Luzerne County.

"Our region is blessed with parks that encourage people to come together and enjoy the great outdoors, and with people who are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our residents," Watro said. "There are great things happening in our communities, and I'm always glad to advocate for grants like these that empower our local leaders to invest in making things even better for our residents."

"Towns and neighborhoods in all corners of our region will benefit from this funding," said Argall.

The grants, which are funded by gaming revenues, were awarded as follows:

• Hazle Township - $300,000 for improvements to the western athletic fields at Hazle Township Community Park.
• Hazleton City - $29,076 to support construction of a community pavilion at 12th Ward Park.
• Hazleton City - $155,802 for the City View Park Ice Cream Concession Stand project.
• Hazleton City - $100,000 for renovations to three city fire stations.
• Hazleton City - $89,715 for assistance with the purchase of a utility task vehicle (UTV) that will increase the fire department's capabilities to respond to emergencies in areas other apparatus cannot easily access.
• West Hazleton Borough - $200,000 for roadway and sidewalk improvements, including curbing, ADA accessibility, lighting and pedestrian safety conditions, on Fourth Street and Cranberry Avenue.

The grants were awarded Wednesday by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through the Local Share Account grant program.