PIKE COUNTY – In efforts to bring further economic development to northeast Pennsylvania, Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20th), and Reps. Rosemary Brown (R-189th) and Mike Peifer (R-139th), announced today that Pike County will receive over $700,000 in multimodal grants from the Commonwealth Financing Authority, which will support two major projects in the county.
“Whenever we can secure substantial state funding to assist in local development projects, as with these grants, it moves up the timetable for completion and eases the burden on local taxpayers,” said Baker. “These commercial projects will provide better access and more retail options for residents. This is another example of constructive cooperation between our communities and state government to support progress.”
Weis Markets Inc. in Sunbury received $512,151 for roadway improvements at the new Delaware Plaza located in Delaware and Dingman townships, Pike County. The planned Delaware Plaza is a 26-acre development to be anchored by a 63,000-square-foot Weis Markets grocery store.
The transportation improvements will be to four intersections on State Route 739. The improvements will consist of installing traffic signals at the plaza and routes 739 and 2006, new turning lanes and plaza driveway, adding additional turning lanes at three intersections affected by the new plaza, widening the roads and installing new pavement base drains at all four intersections within the project area. The project also include reconstructing existing driveways at Dingman Court and Dingman Place. The total project cost is $1.48 million.
“Economic growth and development are key for any community to continue to thrive, which is why this funding is so crucial,” said Peifer. “The money these townships received will help them further develop and improve major roadways allowing for residents and visitors to travel more safely and efficiently while new services are offered, and jobs are created.”
Pike County Economic Development Authority received $232,000 to construct intersection improvements to Route 739 for the future development of the Dingman Towne Center located in Dingman Township, Pike County.
Improvements include the construction of the access road to the site including new signalization and a mast arm, turning lanes and related signage. The Towne Center will be built in a cluster development, all connected by a main spinal road to the new traffic light intersection. Funds will be used for highway occupancy permit (HOP) work and for the construction of the entry road to the site. The total cost for this phase of the project is $425,404. Matching funds will be provided by DEPG Dingman’s Associates, LLC in the amount of $127,621.
“With the construction of the new Weis grocery store in Delaware Township, as well as the road improvements that come in tandem, this will help give our communities the economic boom they need to bring more jobs and more travelers to our area,” said Brown. “I am pleased to see that the funding came through and am eager to see the final product once the projects conclude.”
The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. The CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth.