Baker, Brown, Fritz, Olsommer Announce Millions in Grant Funding for Watershed Restoration, Parks and Community Projects

December 18, 2025

HARRISBURG – Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), Sen. Rosemary Brown (R-40), Rep. Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna/Wayne) and Rep. Jeff Olsommer (R-Wayne/Pike) announced the approval of funding totaling more than $4.6 million for environmental, recreational and community improvement projects across Susquehanna, Wayne and Pike counties. The grants were awarded through multiple Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) programs, including the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program and statewide Local Share Account (LSA) funding.

“These grants represent important investments in our environment, public spaces and local infrastructure,” said Baker. “Whether it’s restoring waterways, expanding recreational opportunities or supporting essential municipal projects, this funding will help communities strengthen quality of life while planning responsibly for the future.”

“These investments strengthen our communities, preserve our natural resources and improve our quality of life,” said Brown. “I’m proud to work alongside my colleagues to support projects that reflect local priorities that will make a real lasting impact here at home.”

“Pleased to announce numerous key investments in the district,” said Fritz. “Advocating for first responder funds, infrastructure upgrades, economic development and quality of life improvements is a priority of mine. These are your dollars and seeing them properly invested in the 111th district is far preferable to watching them go elsewhere.” 

“Investing in our communities is the right thing to do,” said Olsommer. “Funding like this goes a long way, offering countless opportunities for enjoyment and recreation and helping families enjoy a better quality of life today and into the future.”

The following projects were approved:

Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program (GTRP)

Susquehanna County – $192,500 
• Gibson Township – Ervin Kaminski Park improvements – $192,500.

Wayne County – $445,000 
• Dreher Township – Carlton Drake Memorial Park development – $120,000.
• Hawley Borough – Skate Park improvement – $60,000.
• Paupack Township – Township Park development – $85,000.
• Salem Township – Wayne County Park improvements – $70,000.
• Waymart Borough – Wayside Park improvements – $110,000.

Statewide LSA Funding
In addition to program-specific grants, the legislators announced nearly $4 million in statewide LSA funding supporting critical community projects across the region.

Pike County – $681,500 
• Lackawaxen Township – Fire tower acquisition and renovation – $220,000.
• Milford Borough – Ann Street Park Playground – $186,500.
• Milford Township – Municipal facility improvements – $125,000.
• Pike County – Wayne and Pike Career Technology and Education Center – $150,000.

Susquehanna County – $1,139,058
• Central Bradford Progress Authority – Silver Lake VFC equipment – $300,000.
• Forest Lake Township – Baseball field improvements – $56,000.
• Liberty Township – Road equipment – $228,793.
• Middletown Township – Road equipment – $285,500
• Montrose Borough – Parking meter modernization – $35,865.
• Springville Township – Road equipment – $118,400.
• Susquehanna Depot Borough – Ira Reynolds Riverfront Park improvements – $114,500.

Wayne County – $2,137,783 
• Canaan Township – Road equipment – $139,377.
• Clinton Township – Road equipment – $195,000.
• Damascus Township – Damascus Township Park improvements – $212,968.
• Dreher Township – Road equipment – 70,000.
• Honesdale Borough – Municipal facility improvements – $400,000.
• Lake Township – Building Renovation/Workforce Development initiative – $150,000.
• Paupack Township – Road equipment – $160,000.
• Prompton Borough – Road improvements – $215,938.
• South Canaan Township – Bridge replacement – $160,000.
• Texas Township – Road equipment – $184,500.
• Wayne County – Dessin Animal Shelter improvements - $250,000.

Local Share Account funds are generated by the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act (Act 71 of 2004), which provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the CFA to support projects in the public interest within Pennsylvania.

The GTRP program is part of Act 13 of 2012, which established the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the CFA to plan, acquire, develop, rehabilitate, and repair greenways, recreational trails, open spaces, parks and beautification projects.

CFA was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to administer the Commonwealth’s economic stimulus packages. 


CONTACT For Sen. Baker: Jennifer Wilson

CONTACT for Sen. Brown: Mackenzie Mueller  

CONTACT for Reps. Fritz and Olsommer: Melissa Fox