State Representative Jack Rader announced the allocation of nearly $2.2 million in state grants for projects within the 176th Legislative District. The funding will support two school energy-saving initiatives and the renovation of a historic bridge.
The Monroe County Industrial Development Authority received $750,975 to renovate the Stone Arch Bridge in Eldred Township. “Built in the 1860s, the Stone Arch Bridge still marks the center of the village of Kunkletown and serves as a gathering place,” said Rader. He expressed hope that it would become central to a larger business district in the future. This grant was provided through the Local Share Account program, which uses gaming revenue to fund community and economic development projects.
The Pleasant Valley School District was awarded $1 million to replace its high school’s HVAC system, exterior windows, and lighting. The Pocono Mountain School District received $416,250 to update water heating systems at several schools: West Junior High School, West High School, Clear Run Intermediate School, and Clear Run Elementary School.
“The focus of the school projects is to upgrade existing building systems that are in very poor condition and provide an efficient solution for the needs of students, faculty and staff while saving money for district taxpayers,” Rader noted. These school grants were made available through the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority approved these grants as part of its role overseeing funding programs aimed at Pennsylvania’s economic growth.
