Pennsylvania DCED Announces $9.7 Million in Gaming Funds Awarded to Projects in Six Northeastern Counties

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Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development

May 06, 2011, 02:07 ET

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Upgrades to a wastewater treatment plant in Stroudsburg Borough, expansion of a university business accelerator, and other efforts to create hundreds of new jobs will get a boost from gaming fund revenues awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

"The approved projects will have a positive impact on economic development and public safety in the region," Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker said. "The gaming fund revenues will provide important infrastructure improvements to the area, including a wastewater treatment system upgrade and a bridge replacement."

In total, 34 projects in Monroe, Lackawanna, Carbon, Pike, Northampton and Wayne counties were awarded $9.7 million by the CFA. The funds are from the "local share assessment" on the Mount Airy Resort and Casino in Mount Pocono, Monroe County. Under the state's gaming law, licensed gaming facilities are assessed a fee to support and enhance their host communities and mitigate the impact of gaming.

Brodhead Creek Regional Authority was awarded a $1 million grant to upgrade and expand the authority's wastewater treatment plant that serves Stroudsburg Borough and Stroud Township. The $41.2 million project will nearly double treatment capacity to 4.5 million gallons daily, and allow the plant to treat wastewater from two additional municipalities, Pocono and Hamilton townships. Ultimately, the upgrade will greatly improve the health of the local environment and help to attract new businesses to undeveloped sites in the area.

Monroe County's local share assessment is divided into two funds -- one for Monroe County; the other for projects in contiguous counties: Carbon, Lackawanna, Northampton, Pike and Wayne.

For more information about the local share assessment account, the CFA or a complete list of approved projects, visit www.newpa.com or call 1-866-466-3972.

Media contact: Theresa Elliott, 717-783-1132

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development