Lackawanna County Communities Receive Flood Protection Funding

Harrisburg, January 13, 2010 -- Senate Democratic Leader Robert Mellow (Lackawanna/Luzerne/Monroe) is pleased to announce state grant money being awarded for projects in Lackawanna County under Pennsylvania’s Flood Protection Grant Program.

“Maintaining flood protection systems is costly and labor intensive but critical to protecting both people and property,” said Mellow. “Consistent investments in both money and manpower also instill confidence in home and business owners alike. That confidence brings more growth, investment and vibrancy to a community.”

The following grants were awarded:

• Olyphant Borough – $65,000 to construct a pump station at Jackson Street

• Olyphant Borough -- $65,000 to construct a pump station at Lafayette and Ash Streets

• Mayfield Borough -- $39,000 to spray and cut natural growth along the Mayfield levee system and dredge areas of sediment build-up in the Lackawanna River

• City of Scranton -- $25,000 to purchase levee maintenance equipment, including a truck, brush mower, riding mower and skid-mounted sprayer


The maximum amount awarded for project improvements and non-routine maintenance is $65,000. The maximum for specialized equipment is $50,000.

Local municipal and county sponsors are responsible for the long-term operation and routine maintenance of flood protection projects once construction of a federal funded or state-funded project is completed.

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