Rep. Cartwright-Led Local Transportation and Infrastructure Projects Totaling Nearly $20 Million Included in Surface Transportation Bill

Press Release

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) today announced that all 11 Member Designated Project requests totaling nearly $20 million that he submitted to the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee for consideration were included in the recently unveiled INVEST IN America Act, a $547 billion surface transportation reauthorization package. The bill was introduced on Friday, June 4, and the T&I Committee announced the approved Member Designated Projects this week. The Committee will review the bill in a markup on Wednesday, June 9. If approved by the Committee, the bill will advance to the floor for a vote by the full U.S. House.

"These are federal investments to be made directly in Northeastern Pennsylvania that will help make roads and bridges safer while creating local jobs," said Rep. Cartwright. "I'm grateful to the Committee for including our projects and enabling local leaders to speak with a louder voice through their members of Congress when it comes to how federal dollars are spent in our communities. Our work is only beginning. I'll continue advocating for these projects every step of the way to ensure this funding makes it back to Northeastern Pennsylvania."

This year, the T&I Committee accepted funding requests -- formally called Member Designated Project Requests (MDPs) -- from House members for important transportation and infrastructure projects in their Congressional Districts. State Departments of Transportation (DOT), Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO), transit agencies or local governments were eligible to submit these requests to their member of Congress. Submission of a project by a member of Congress does not guarantee that the project will be funded.

Rep. Cartwright worked with eligible local leaders to identify projects and submitted 11 MDPs in April in accordance with T&I Committee guidance. Rep. Cartwright's MDP requests follow.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY

Blakely Borough Main Street Corridor Improvement Project
Location: Blakely Borough, Lackawanna County
Funding Request: $1,497,416.75
Project Sponsor: Lackawanna County, PA
Description: Full-depth restoration of nearly a half-mile of roadway to remove the original brick that is causing the roadway to deform due to inadequate subsurface support and milling and repaving over another mile of roadway that is severely cracked and potholed. In addition, stormwater drainage issues will be addressed and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps will be constructed where needed.

County of Lackawanna Transit System (COLTS) Transit Facility
Location: 800 North South Road, Scranton, PA 18504
Funding Request: $5,000,000
Project Sponsor: County of Lackawanna Transit System (COLTS)
Description: Funding is designated for the renovation of COLTS' Administration building, the last major renovation of which occurred more than 35 years ago. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars and will be beneficial because the facility has experienced significant wear and tear and an overhaul is much needed to promote efficient operations. The project design also places the maintenance area away from the administrative section of the building, which is a necessary safety alteration to the complex.

"County of Lackawanna Transit System (COLTS) appreciates the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approving our funding request to improve COLTS' Maintenance and Administration Facility. This long-awaited, state-of-the-art facility will enhance our transit operations as we seek to provide the best service for our community. COLTS also appreciates PennDOT and all of the time and energy its staff has devoted toward the implementation of this project. Ultimately, the real winners of today's announcement are the residents, students, seniors, employers and workers of Lackawanna County, as COLTS continues to help people return to work," said COLTS Executive Director Robert Fiume.

LUZERNE COUNTY

Crestwood Drive Resurfacing Project
Location: Wright Township, Luzerne County
Funding Request: $1,200,000
Project Sponsor: Luzerne County, PA
Description: Resurfacing of 1.72 miles of Crestwood Drive in Wright Township from State Route 309 to State Route 437 where there are numerous pavement cracks, especially in the wheel locations due to the industrial park's truck traffic. New signing and pavement markings will also be installed to enhance driver safety. This project will enhance safety along this corridor and promote commerce as this is the main access road for the Crestwood Industrial Park.

Hazleton Bus and Bus Infrastructure
Location: 126 West Mine Street, Hazleton, PA 18201
Funding Request: $1,500,000
Project Sponsor: Lackawanna/Luzerne Transportation Study MPO
Description: Replacement of two diesel buses with two compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and to purchase land and create a park & ride lot. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars and will be beneficial because (1) the new buses will give Hazleton Public Transit (HPT) passengers a more comfortable and up-to-date public transportation experience while benefiting the environment, and (2) the park & ride lot will supplement the very limited parking currently available to HPT and intercity bus customers, which will increase ridership, reduce traffic congestion and benefit the environment.

Lower Demunds Road Resurfacing Project
Location: Dallas Township, Luzerne County
Funding Request: $1,200,000
Project Sponsor: Luzerne County, PA
Description: Resurfacing of 1.96 miles of Lower Demunds Road in Dallas Township from State Route 1014 to State Route 1044 where there are numerous pavement cracks. New signing and pavement marking will be installed to enhance driver safety.

Sleepy Hollow Road Bridge Replacement
Location: Butler Township, Luzerne County
Funding Request: $1,200,000
Project Sponsor: Luzerne County, PA
Description: This project is to replace a single span bridge over Nescopeck Creek. The current bridge is posted for 10 tons and limits accessibility between St. John's Road and SR 309. The replacement bridge will have no load postings and permit two lanes of traffic. In addition to the new bridge, the approach roadway paving, guiderail, and signing will be included. This project will improve safety and promote connectivity between State Route 309 and St. John's Road.

"The Luzerne County Council greatly appreciates the efforts of our Congressman, Matt Cartwright, to include four projects in the Transportation & Infrastructure bill. The inclusion of these projects would be a significant milestone in improving and upgrading county roads," said Luzerne County Council Chair Tim McGinley.

"These monies will help fund the replacement of two diesel buses with two compressed natural gas buses. In addition, this proposal includes the purchase of an adjacent parcel which will be used to start a "Park & Ride' program. The total estimated cost is $2 million. The extra funds will be a combined effort from PennDOT, which has been a major supporter of improving service at the HPT and our local "match' programs. Both projects will not only improve and expand public transportation in Luzerne County, but also help in preserving the environment," said Hazleton Public Transit Director Ralph Sharp.

MONROE COUNTY

State Route 115 Corridor Improvements
Location: Chestnuthill Township, Monroe County
Funding Request: $4,000,000
Project Sponsor: Northeast Pennsylvania MPO (NEPA Alliance)
Description: Making safety improvements along State Route 115 in the vicinity of Astolat Road to Sugar Hollow Road, including widening shoulders, adding left turn lanes and improving sight distance. The project is south of Pocono Raceway, and this project is also expected to ease special event traffic on State Route 115.

"The funding of the Route 115 Effort corridor will provide much needed safety improvements to two intersections that have been the cause of as many as 87 accidents in the last ten years. This project will also provide a turning lane that will enhance the ability for economic growth in underutilized portions of a commercial and village commercial district in Chestnuthill Township," said Monroe County Commissioners John Moyer, Sharon Laverdure and John Christy.

PIKE COUNTY

State Route 590 Resurfacing Project
Location: Lackawaxen Township, Pike County
Funding Request: $2,400,000
Project Sponsor: Northeast Pennsylvania MPO (NEPA Alliance)
Description: This stretch of road is experiencing pavement failures such as cracking, potholes, depressions, rutting and raveling. If the surface is not repaired, a more costly full depth replacement will be needed at a later time. The proposed project will improve pavement deficiencies and provide a smoother riding surface, therefore decreasing the cost to the taxpayers of ongoing roadway maintenance.

"This section of Route 590 is a major thoroughfare that is used daily by residents and visitors alike. It connects the northern area of the County to the town of Hawley and neighboring Wayne County, and provides access to the area's largest employer, a popular tourism destination and one of the many attractions and communities along this section of roadway. Repairing the road's surface will help to alleviate long-term maintenance costs and create a safer driving experience," said Pike County Commissioners Matthew Osterberg, Ronald Schmalzle and Steve Guccini.

"NEPA Alliance appreciates the opportunity to work with Congressman Cartwright in securing funding for these two vital transportation projects located in Monroe and Pike counties. The additional funding gained through his leadership will help improve safety and pavement conditions along two busy corridors in our region," said Jeffrey Box, President & CEO of NEPA Alliance.

WAYNE COUNTY

Bridge Replacement on State Route 590 over Ariel Creek
Location: Salem Township, Wayne County
Funding Request: $560,000
Project Sponsor: Wayne County, PA
Description: The existing structure was constructed in 1932, has a poor rating and needs to be replaced. According to recent inspections, deterioration is significantly affecting primary structural components and its condition is serious. The replacement structure will provide safe and efficient access across the creek with a structure that meets current design standards and can carry current legal loads.

Bridge Replacement on State Route 590 over Inlet to Finn Swamp
Location: Paupack Township, Wayne County
Funding Request: $432,000
Project Sponsor: Wayne County, PA
Description: The existing structure was constructed in 1963 and is deteriorating, has a poor rating and needs to be replaced. According to recent inspections, deterioration is significantly affecting primary structural components and its condition is serious. The replacement structure will provide safe and efficient access across the stream with a structure that meets current design standards and can carry current legal loads.

State Route 652 Resurfacing Project
Location: Berlin Township, Wayne County
Funding Request: $1,008,000
Project Sponsor: Wayne County, PA
Description: This stretch of road is experiencing pavement failures such as cracking, potholes, depressions, rutting and raveling. If the surface is not repaired, a more costly full depth replacement will be needed at a later time. The proposed project will improve pavement deficiencies and provide a smoother riding surface, therefore decreasing the cost to the taxpayers of ongoing roadway maintenance.

"We appreciate Congressman Cartwright's efforts to secure federal transportation and infrastructure for several important projects in Wayne County," said Wayne County Commissioners Brian Smith, Joseph Adams and Jocelyn Cramer. "The $2 million in federal funds for the replacement of two bridges and the resurfacing of more than 10 miles of a key roadway for local residents and out-of-state travelers in Wayne County would be a huge boost to motorists, residents and businesses. As we all know, when you travel to an area, poor infrastructure can be a determining factor as to whether you ever travel to that area again. In addition, for those looking to relocate their businesses or potentially move to Wayne County, the better the roadways and bridges, the higher odds we have of attracting them as permanent members of our communities."

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