Traffic Flowing Smoothly into Businesses Thanks to Commerce Road Completion

Dupont, November 19, 2009 – The reconstruction of Commerce Road in Dupont and Pittston Township is complete thanks to grant funding secured by state lawmakers.

State Senators Robert Mellow (D-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Monroe), Raphael Musto (D-Luzerne), and State Representative Mike Carroll (D-Luzerne/Monroe) participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony today to mark the event.

The vital roadway into the Grimes Industrial Park will help to sustain the many businesses that employ at least 2700 people who live throughout Northeast Pennsylvania and hopefully attract additional companies to the industrial park which provides easy access to local interstates.

“I’m proud of the leadership exhibited by Dupont borough officials in this effort,” said Mellow. “They understand the importance of job retention and job creation in our area and its positive impact on local government and our school district. This project provides direct benefits to Dupont’s citizens and our community at large.”

“The reconstruction of Commerce Road, combined with the bridge replacement on Suscon Road, the repaving of Armstrong Road this spring and the construction of the Airport Connector Road joining Commerce Road to Interstate 81 will create a network of first-class roads and bridges that meets the transportation needs of area industry and business while minimizing the traffic on our roads,” said Musto.

Senator Mellow singled out Representative Carroll’s work and determination to ensure the project was funded and completed.

“I am delighted this important roadway has been rebuilt and will serve our community for many years into the future. It was imperative this be accomplished for the sake of area employers, their employees and area residents who also use this roadway,” said Carroll.

Funding for the project was provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the state Department of Community and Economic Development and the Appalachian Regional Commission. Over a million dollars came as a result of state grant funds made available through gaming proceeds.

The Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce, elected officials from both Dupont and Pittson Township along with the Luzerne County Office of Community Development and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance were also on-hand and thanked for their unwavering support for the project.
###