$3.8 Million Infused into Monroe
County Projects
Pocono airport runway extension, business/industrial
parks each to receive over a million dollars
Harrisburg, April 15, 2010 -- Senate Democratic
Leader Robert Mellow (Lackawanna/Luzerne/Monroe) today
announced several projects in Monroe County which will
receive a share of gaming fund revenues generated by
Mount Airy Resort and Casino.
“We’re looking at major development projects that will
bring hundreds of new jobs and lure lucrative business
opportunities for the entire region,” said Mellow. “It’s
not just brick and mortar buildings we’re talking about.
From airport runway expansion to the extension of
natural gas lines, we’ve covered just about everything.”
The money will do more than develop economic
opportunities. Grants will fund projects to protect the
environment and improve public safety. “People who live
or travel through Mount Pocono will notice a big
difference when brand new sidewalks are built along
Route 611 and other borough roads,” said Mellow. “A new
community center in Barrett Township will give seniors
from all over the area an inviting and comfortable
meeting place. This is a great representation of the
various and diverse ways in which gaming funds can help
to improve the quality of life in our communities.”
The investments include:
• The Monroe County Industrial Development Authority was
awarded a $1,050,000 grant to extend the Pocono
Mountains Municipal Airport Runway 13-31 to 5,000 feet.
The airport is located off State Route 611 in Coolbaugh
Township.
• Monroe County Industrial Development Authority was
awarded a $659,940 grant on behalf of Pocono Mountains
Industrial Park Authority to conduct environmental and
archeological studies, detailed design, and engineering
services in support of the proposed gas line expansion
in Monroe County. The preferred route for the new gas
line service is estimated to be eleven miles and will
thread through several municipalities. It is critical to
the growth of new industry in the county.
• Monroe County Industrial Development Authority was
awarded a $561,000 grant on behalf of Pocono Mountains
Industrial Park Authority for construction of a
pre-treatment package plant at the Pocono Mountains
Corporate Center South to address excessive ammonia
nitrogen levels in the sewage effluent of the industrial
park. The project is expected to create 400 new jobs. It
will also reduce operational costs and rates for tenants
in order to keep the business/industrial park
competitive in attracting new businesses and retaining
current ones.
• Monroe County Industrial Development Authority was
awarded $433,500 on behalf of Arcadia Properties LLC for
construction of a multi-tenant building totaling
approximately 10,000 square feet on a 28 acre parcel
which Arcadia Properties currently owns. The project is
located in the Pocono Mountains Corporate Center East,
Coolbaugh Township. The project is expected to create up
to 100 jobs.
• Monroe County Industrial Development Authority, in
partnership with Spread Eagle Development, was awarded a
$255,000 grant for the construction of a Class-A office
building on Lot 4 of PMCC East. The building will house
professional offices and is expected to create up to 50
jobs.
• Monroe County Industrial Development Authority was
awarded a $142,203 grant on behalf of Pocono Mountains
Industries for engineering work necessary for the
approval of lots in the Pocono Mountains Corporate
Centers East and South. PMI needs to accelerate the
required permitting process in order to accommodate
prospective clients. PMCC South is located in Mount
Pocono Borough and Coolbaugh Township. PMCC East is
located in Coolbaugh.
• The Borough of Mount Pocono was awarded a $228,395
grant for the construction and repair of sidewalks on
both sides of Route 611 to the north and south of the
5-points intersection.
• The Borough of Mount Pocono was awarded a $121,824
grant for the replacement of sidewalks located on
Fairview Avenue and Fork Street.
• The Borough of Mount Pocono was awarded a $46,500
grant to purchase an emergency generator for the
borough’s municipal building.
• Barrett Township was awarded a $225,914 grant for the
acquisition of the Old Barrett Library to convert the
historic building into a senior community center.
• Barrett Township was awarded a $90,595 grant on behalf
of the Pocono Area Recreation Commission to complete
Phase 1A of the Seven Pines Park project. It will
provide three communities (Barrett and Paradise
Townships and Mount Pocono Borough) with two baseball
fields, a parking area, and an access road.
These investments come from the Local Share Account,
Monroe County Fund.
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