Travel Advisory: Interstate 80, Exit 308 Project – Lincoln Avenue Closure
Starting today, Friday, September 6, 2024, Lincoln Avenue will be fully closed to allow for continued work on the bridge construction as part of the Interstate 80, Exit 308 project. This closure will affect both Northbound and Southbound traffic on Lincoln Avenue, which has been partially restricted due to ongoing overhead bridge construction. The current Northbound closure will remain in place, while the Southbound lane will also be restricted until the work is completed. Once finished, the Southbound closure will be lifted, but the Northbound restriction will continue for the time being.
A detour has been established to redirect both Southbound and Northbound traffic, utilizing Prospect Street (SR 2017/2024), Ridgeway Street (SR 2024), and Brown Street (SR 2012). Drivers are encouraged to follow the posted signs to ensure a smooth flow of traffic around the work zone.
The full closure is expected to last for five days, beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, September 6th and ending by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10th.
Remembering September 11, 2001
Next week, we will pause to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001—a day that forever changed our nation. It has been 23 years since the tragic event, but the memories of the lives lost, the bravery shown, and the unity that followed remain with us.
On this solemn anniversary, we honor the nearly 3,000 people who perished in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania. We also pay tribute to the first responders who risked and gave their lives to save others, demonstrating the very best of human courage and selflessness. Here in Pennsylvania, we reflect on the heroism of those aboard Flight 93, who acted decisively to prevent even greater loss of life.
This upcoming week, on September 11th, remember to take a moment to honor the victims, their families, and the countless heroes who inspire us to this day.
Joint Senior Expo – Friday, September 13
I am looking forward to seeing you at the Lackawanna County Senior Expo on Friday, September 13th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Marketplace at Steamtown. This event is a great opportunity for seniors and their families to access valuable resources and services all in one convenient location. See you there!
Expanded Payments in Lieu of Taxes to Provide $35 Million for Schools and Communities
Providing schools, local municipalities and counties with greater funding through state agency payments in lieu of taxes was a key priority as we worked to implement the 2023-24 and 2024-25 state budgets.
Payments in lieu of taxes benefit everyone in Pennsylvania, especially those who live in rural communities where increased state ownership of land depresses local property tax revenues. As such, casino tax revenues deposited in the state Gaming Fund to provide property tax relief are used to cover part of the cost of the state agencies’ payments in lieu of taxes.
I am pleased that, because of our efforts, the increase to the statutory payments for each acre of land owned by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will result in more than $35 million annually for schools, local municipalities and counties. In addition, these statutory payments will automatically adjust with inflation every five years.
Recognizing Local Heroes: Life-Saving Efforts at Tobyhanna State Park
Recently, I had the honor of recognizing two DCNR State Park Rangers and an off-duty EMT for their heroic actions that saved the life of a drowning victim at Tobyhanna State Park.
Justin Waid – Park Ranger, DCNR
Clark Verchuk – Park Ranger, DCNR
Kelsey Hovi – EMT, Pocono Mountain Regional EMS
On the evening of July 7th, 2024, Rangers Waid and Verchuk were alerted to a swimmer in distress who had gone under the water and didn’t resurface. Thanks to quick action by bystanders who pulled the unresponsive individual from the water, the Rangers immediately began CPR and deployed an AED. Off-duty EMT Kelsey Hovi, nearby at the time, joined the rescue effort, assisting with chest compressions and rescue breaths.
Their teamwork was critical. Moments before the ambulance arrived, the patient began to breathe again but remained unresponsive. With the arrival of Pocono Mountain Regional EMS, the patient was stabilized and transported to the hospital, where, after three days, they were discharged and walking on their own.
These extraordinary actions saved a life and underscore the importance of CPR training and AEDs in public spaces. I’m deeply grateful to these brave individuals for their life-saving work.
Senator Brown Recognized as Champion for Career and Technical Schools
This week, I was so honored to be recognized by Children First for my advocacy for our state’s Career and Technical Schools. I had the pleasure of meeting with Children First, the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County, and students and staff from Monroe Career and Technical Institute (MCTI). It was a great opportunity to discuss the value of career and technical education (CTE) and its impact on our workforce.
This year, our state budget allocated an additional $30 million in state funding for CTE programs, which are essential in preparing our students for the future. Hearing how these funds are directly benefiting students reminds me why this work is so important.
The post E-news Updates – September 6, 2024 appeared first on Senator Brown.