Toohil and Yudichak Present Gaming Grant to West Hazleton
WEST HAZLETON – State Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) and state Sen. John Yudichak (D-14th District) today presented a $250,000 grant to West Hazleton officials that will be used upgrade the borough’s police annex building.
The funding was made available through the local share assessment (LSA) account generated by Pennsylvania’s gaming industry, which includes revenue from the Mohegan Sun Casino in nearby Plains Township. This year, the LSA account provided more than $900,000 in state funding for community and economic improvement projects in the Hazleton area.
“This project is long overdue and represents another investment in the revitalization and beautification of West Hazleton’s downtown business district,” said Toohil. “Residents will also benefit by receiving improved police protection. It is gratifying to see our area receive some much-deserved attention from the state.”
“This grant will provide the needed funds for West Hazleton to improve the facilities and equipment for the police department and will help the borough better serve its residents,” said Yudichak.
Specifically, the grant will be used to renovate and furnish West Hazleton’s police annex building which will allow for the expansion of the police department and creation of a regional police force.
The other Hazleton area LSA grants include:
• $342,300 to the City of Hazleton for the Greater Hazleton Joint Sewer Authority to
eliminate cross connections between the storm water collection system and the
wastewater collection system at the Button Buck combined sewer overflow. The
grant is for the planning work associated with the project.
• $194,810 to the City of Hazleton on behalf of the Hazleton Integration Project for
the purchase and renovation of the former Hazleton Masonic Temple and Holy
Trinity Catholic School for use as a community center.
• $128,745 to the City of Hazleton for the purchase of a bucket truck and street
sweeper. The city is the largest member of the Mountain Council of
Governments and actively participates in a program where members loan
equipment to neighboring communities. The bucket truck and street sweeper will
be part of this program.
The LSA account was established by the Pennsylvania Horse Race and Gaming Development Act.
For more information on Toohil and her legislative priorities, visit
www.RepToohil.com or
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State Representative Tarah Toohil
116th District, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact:
Rep. Toohil’s Office
717.260.6136