West Pittston receives $120K flood recovery grant

WEST PITTSTON - Luzerne County has awarded the borough a grant for $120,000 for flood recovery repair in low income areas.

Council cannot make official plans yet until the county actually disburses the money, but they plan to use the money toward paving and curb repairs on Fremont Street, Jenkins Street and part of Luzerne Avenue.

The borough is still waiting on Federal Emergency Management Agency funds to be distributed by the county. While the county received the money, they are still searching for a projects coordinator to oversee distribution and use of that money.

Borough Engineer Tom Reilly selected areas in need, where streets were under water and flood damage was significant.

Jim Brozena, former executive director of the Flood Protection Authority, has applied and submitted a proposal to handle the buying of flood-damaged properties and demolition of structures on these properties.

After retiring from his former position, Brozena started his own business and has been reaching out to municipalities to handle the buyout process.

The borough is looking to work with him; however, council will vote on whether to accept Brozena's proposal and hire him at Tuesday's council meeting. If the borough hires Brozena, he will be paid with federal money.

No parking on Exeter, Wyoming avenues

Currently, the state mandates no parking on Exeter and Wyoming Avenue; however, the borough needs to purchase and place no parking signs before notifying the public. The borough will not enforce the state mandate until the signs are in place.

The West Pittston Street Department is responsible for completing this project.

Library grant: All or nothing

The Pennsylvania Department of Education awarded the borough and West Pittston Library a $500,000 Keystone Recreation, Parks and Conservation fund grant for development over an 18-month period as it recovers from the flood damage sustained in September 2011.

The grant is contingent upon the library matching the awarded amount. If the library is unable to match the amount, the grant is declined. Library officials are confident they can raise the money needed.
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