DALLAS – Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne/Monroe/Pike/Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyoming) and Rep. Karen Boback (R-Luzerne/Wyoming/Columbia) today announced that Dallas Township, in partnership with Misericordia University, will receive $165,000 in state funding to help offset the cost of a streetscape project along Lake Street.
The Department of Community and Economic Development’s Keystone Communities Public Improvement Program assists Pennsylvania’s communities with revitalization efforts. Misericordia University will provide $15,000 toward this project, while Luzerne County will provide $150,000 through its local share account. The project’s total cost is $330,000.
“These enhancements are consistent with the community development plans of our municipalities and serve as a capstone to President Mike MacDowell’s tremendous service to the Back Mountain,” said Baker. “By improving pedestrian safety along this key artery, we encourage recreation and boost economic growth, offering a better place to live, work and play.”
“This grant enables municipalities, like Dallas Township, to stretch their resources and advance important roadway projects and other safety and quality-of-life improvements that benefit all who share the road, including pedestrians and bicyclists,” added Boback. “This sidewalk project is a community effort, as Misericordia University and Luzerne County have agreed to match state funds to make this project possible.”
Funding will be used for the design and construction of sidewalks on both sides of the road along Lake Street. While sidewalks currently exist on Lake Street, they end upon the intersection with Center Hill Road. This project will continue those sidewalks on both sides of the road, connecting Misericordia University and the Meadows Nursing and Rehabilitation Center to Dallas Borough.
“The lack of sidewalks is forcing our students and residents to navigate the highway, which lacks an appropriate shoulder, to get to the community stores, supermarkets, restaurants and other businesses in Dallas,” said Boback. “These sidewalks will increase opportunities for economic development and help keep our pedestrians safe.”
Contact:
Jen Wilson jwilson@pasen.gov (Senator Baker)
(570) 675-3931
Lauren Whetzel lwhetzel@pahousegop.com (Representative Boback)
(717) 260-6451