Dear John,

This week, $19.6 million in funding for ten NEPA projects passed the U.S. House as part of the fiscal year 2022 appropriations package. The U.S. Senate approved the legislation on Thursday, and it is now headed to the President’s desk for his signature. 

NEPA Projects included: 

• $2.1 million for the City of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania’s Community Policing Technology and Equipment Initiative
• $2 million for the Lackawanna County Gun and Gang Reduction and Intelligence Project (GGRIP)
• $1 million for the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber's Project Elevate
• $3 million for Greenwood Hose Company/Moosic Borough, PA Joint Fire and Public Safety Station demolition and construction
• $1 million for Chestnuthill Twp.'s Shared West End Emergency Services Facility
• $3.5 million for Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority for Stream Restorations and Stormwater Basin Retrofit
• $2 million for Lackawanna College, Scranton, PA for technical and vocational education program development, including equipment
• $1.85 million for The Greater Scranton YMCA, Dunmore, PA for mental health and substance use disorder treatment services, including wraparound services
• $2 million for County of Wayne, Honesdale, PA for facilities and equipment
• $1.15 million for Hazleton Integration Project, Hazleton, PA for a STEAM-based education program

I released a statement supporting the decision to ban Russian oil and advocating for a gas tax holiday to help ease the burden on the American people. Read my full statement HERE. 

Re-opening of Women Veterans Museum in Mount Pocono

I was honored to join Sgt. Major Claudette Williams last weekend to congratulate her on the reopening of the Women Veterans Museum in Mount Pocono and recognize the important milestone in the museum’s history, especially as we celebrate Women’s History Month.

It is a monumental achievement, and our community looks forward to visiting the museum and learning about the contributions women have made while serving in the armed forces. 

$26 Million for Abandoned Mine Lands

Another $26 million is coming to Pennsylvania for abandoned mine land reclamation from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE)! These funds are in addition to the nearly $245 million arriving in fiscal year 2022 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Be safe and well,