Northern Tier News

Nov. 30, 2023 - Rep. Tina Pickett and Sen. Lisa Baker have announced the allocation of over $1.1 million in state tax credits for eight community improvement projects and programs in Wyoming County. The funding was made available through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development's Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP).

"NAP is an important tool that allows businesses to make meaningful investments in local communities that improve the quality of life for all," said Rep. Tina Pickett. "We appreciate that Wyoming County is benefiting through the program and are grateful for all the participating companies."

"NAP is an indispensable program for building up and strengthening community services and facilities," added Sen. Lisa Baker. "Whether the projects involve social programs, worker development, or healthy living recreation, they add value to what we call quality of life. For many smaller communities, this is the place to go for funding for projects and programs that are hard to fit into a tight municipal budget. It is another instance where state money can be used to leverage private contributions because the projects represent local priorities and have undergone review to determine worth and sustainability."

The NAP funding will support various projects and programs in Wyoming County, including:

- Children's Service Center, which will receive $515,001 to purchase a property in Tunkhannock to expand its space for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders.

- Commission on Economic Opportunity, which will receive $179,850 for a charitable food distribution system that supports partner organizations in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, and Wyoming counties.

- Geisinger Health Foundation, which will receive $350,000 for renovations required to add a Convenient Care+ operation to its urgent care center in Tunkhannock.

- Wyoming County Community Alliance, which will receive $31,500 for a student training program, and $27,500 for the revitalization of a basketball court.

- Wyoming County Cultural Center Inc., which will receive $30,000 for theater and visual arts classes for adults with disabilities, $10,000 for an opioid abuse prevention program, and $5,000 for veterans workshops at the Dietrich Theater in Tunkhannock.

Children's Service Center, which currently serves over 1,000 clients annually in Tunkhannock, will benefit greatly from the funding. Michael Hopkins, the president and CEO of Children's Service Center, expressed his gratitude and highlighted the challenges they face in meeting the mental health needs of the community. He said, "We look forward to expanding our service offerings in this new facility, which will allow us to integrate primary care and mental health services to better meet the overall needs of this rural community."

Geisinger Health Foundation also expressed its appreciation for the funding. In a statement, they said, "Geisinger is grateful to partner with Coterra and our elected officials to bring advanced care to the residents of Tunkhannock and the surrounding community through NAP. This award supports the renovations required to add a ConvenientCare+ operation to the newly expanded and relocated multidisciplinary and urgent care center and provides even greater levels of patient care options."

The NAP program provides tax credits to businesses that contribute to the efforts of nonprofit organizations in revitalizing communities. This round of tax credits amounts to $36 million and will support 261 projects and programs across the Commonwealth.

The businesses that have contributed to the Wyoming County nonprofit organizations through NAP include Big Sandy Gas Company, Cargill Meat Solutions, Coterra Energy, GasSearch Drilling Services, Gerrity's Supermarkets, M&T Bank, McLane/Eastern Inc., Price Chopper Operating Company, Sheetz, and Susquehanna Real Estate Corporation.

This funding support from the state will enable these community improvement projects and programs to thrive and make a positive impact in Wyoming County. It is a testament to the commitment of both the government and businesses to enhancing the quality of life for residents in the area.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.reppickett.com/News/33218/Press-Releases/Pickett,-Baker-Announce-State-Funding-Support-of-Community-Improvement-Projects,-Programs-in-Wyoming-County-