Brown Secures Nearly $4 Million for Critical Community Investments
I’m excited to announce nearly $4 million in state funding awarded to community projects in northeastern Pennsylvania funded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). These grants are focused on enhancing public resources, boosting local business growth, strengthening health care infrastructure, and expanding educational facilities—all vital investments that will support essential services and economic development in our region.
Here’s a look at the projects receiving funding and the benefits they’ll bring to our communities:
- Monroe County Technical Institute (MCTI) Conference Center Expansion – $1 million will go toward MCTI’s expansion, adding a secure indoor staging area for student and staff safety and creating space to accommodate the growth of MCTI’s educational programs. This investment will support the school’s mission to provide high-quality technical training for our region.
- TekRidge Expansion – $930,000 will fund the completion of the TekRidge Center, enhancing support for start-up businesses as part of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce’s Ignite Business Incubator Program. This expansion will further establish our area as a hub for innovation and economic growth.
- East Stroudsburg University (ESU) Athletic Facilities Renovation – $1 million will be used to renovate ESU’s pool and resurface both the indoor and outdoor tracks, addressing long-standing safety issues. These upgrades are crucial for maintaining top-quality athletic facilities for students and the wider community.
- Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH) Pocono – Family Birth and Newborn Center – $1 million will assist with relocating and upgrading the Family Birth and Newborn Center, providing a dedicated space for postpartum care and converting the existing area for prenatal testing and triage. This expansion will enhance patient care and operational efficiency within maternal and neonatal services at LVH Pocono.
These grants are an exciting step forward for our community, each aimed at addressing specific needs in education, health care and business development. By investing in these key areas, we are building a foundation for long-term growth and a stronger community for our families and businesses.
Route 611 is Reopening!
I’m pleased to share that Route 611, which has been closed since December 2022 through the Delaware Water Gap, is expected to reopen the week of November 4. This is great news for our residents, local businesses, and all those who rely on this route.
This project has required significant coordination between PennDOT and the National Park Service, and I’m grateful for their work in overcoming the challenges involved. The state has remained ready to step in, ensuring all necessary steps are taken to support a safe reopening.
Thank you to everyone in our community for your patience and resilience as we’ve worked toward this outcome. I’ll continue to work closely with stakeholders on this project through completion.
Scenes from the 40th Senatorial District
This week’s photo winner comes courtesy of Brian Coyne of Stroudsburg, who took this exceptional photo from Mount Minsi in Delaware Water Gap. Brian’s photo has been shared on my social media and posted to the 40th Senatorial District Photo Gallery.
Interested in showcasing your photography skills?
I am inviting residents of the 40th Senatorial District to share their photography and help capture the beauty and character of our community. Whether it’s a stunning landscape, a lively community event, or a cherished historical landmark, I encourage you to submit photos that highlight the unique aspects of our district, which includes parts of Lackawanna and Wayne counties, and all of Monroe County.
Click here to submit your work and learn more.
Brown Launches New Voter FAQ Webpage to Clarify Pennsylvania Election Processes
I’m excited to announce the launch of a comprehensive FAQ webpage I have created to help answer your most common questions about Pennsylvania’s election process.
Civic engagement and secure elections are the bedrock of our Republic. When citizens actively participate and voting is conducted with integrity, we strengthen the foundation of our nation—ensuring that every voice is heard, every vote is counted, and trust in our institutions is upheld. As your state Senator, my goal is to uphold these values.
Unfortunately, I regularly receive feedback that individuals do not know where to find trusted, factual, and simply unbiased information regarding our elections. It is my hope this FAQ page will be a source of trusted and impartial information for all Pennsylvania voters, whether you are Democrat, Republican, or Independent.
For more information and to access the FAQ page, please visit Brown’s official website here.
See you this Sunday for the Veteran’s Parade
Come out this Sunday for the Monroe County Veterans Association’s annual Veteran’s Day parade.
Time to Turn Clocks Back This Weekend
Daylight saving time will end at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, so Pennsylvania residents should turn their clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night.
Biannual time changes can be a great reminder to check or change the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced every 10 years and located near bedrooms and on each level of the residence.
Waymart Borough – Halloween
Spent a lovely evening with our families in Waymart Borough. Great work Mayor Norella and team!
Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association – Awards Gala
I attended the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association (PRLA) Awards Gala at Kalahari. Trip Ruvane, owner of Barley Creek Brewing Company takes on the role of Chairman of the State Association this year.
Very special congratulations to Todd Nelson, Owner of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, on receiving the “Patrick Dougherty Hospitality Icon“ Award.
Another congratulations to The Swiftwater for winning “Newcomer of the Year”.
Share Your Career Day!
This week, I was pleased to attend, “Share Your Career Day” at my alma mater, East Stroudsburg Area High School. Always so pleased to speak with our students and speak on the importance of public service.
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