Cartwright announces funding for several local projects

Milford. The bridge that connects Matamoras to NY may soon get some much-needed upgrades.

| 27 Mar 2024 | 02:20

The funding includes $8.84 million in infrastructure and transportation upgrades towards the return of passenger rail as well as water treatment, flood protection and paving projects throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe and Pike counties; $2.9 million to further develop a Luzerne County-based industrial hemp research and manufacturing collaboration; and $2.6 million in support of local law enforcement, police and emergency first responders throughout Lackawanna, Monroe and Luzerne counties.

“As a member of Congress, one of my top priorities is to deliver federal tax dollars back to the people I serve. In the three years since Community Project Funding was reintroduced, I’ve successfully fought for more than $83 million in Community Project Funding dollars for northeastern Pennsylvania,” Cartwright said. ”These projects will make a real difference in our district by strengthening infrastructure, creating good-paying jobs, supporting public safety, and boosting economic development.”

For Pike County, $980,000 of those funds will go toward bridge rehabilitation on Route 6 that spans over the Delaware River in Matamoras Borough. According to Cartwright, the existing structure is a two-span, steel truss bridge built in 1939. With these funds, the existing bridge deck will be replaced with a new, reinforced concrete deck, along with minor steel and structure repairs as needed. An estimated 17,478 vehicles travel between northeastern Pennsylvania and southeastern New York across this bridge daily.

”We’re happy to hear that Congressman Cartwright was successful in securing funds for these critical bridge and highway projects in the Pocono region,” said Alan Baranski, NEPA Alliance Vice President of Transportation Planning. “The rehabilitation of Route 6 over the Delaware River will ensure this critical bridge continues to safely serve the residents, commuters and visitors of Matamoras Borough and Pike County. These funds will greatly help meet project costs and scheduling challenges.”