Funding Will Help Renovate Public Recreational Facilities

WILKES-BARRE - Today, Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) joined Wilkes-Barre Mayor Thomas M. Leighton to announce $950,000 in federal funding to aid with the continued revitalization of Coal Street Park in Wilkes-Barre.  Congressman Kanjorski and Senator Casey both requested funding for the project in the Omnibus Appropriations bill.  The funding will specifically be used to construct new basketball courts, all purpose fields, and other public recreational amenities.

"Mayor Leighton's administration has made significant progress in helping to make Wilkes-Barre a better place to live and work," said Senator Casey.  "That's why I was glad to secure this funding in partnership with Congressman Kanjorski.  This project will revitalize the park and significantly improve its recreational amenities."  

"I am incredibly proud to announce this federal funding to help modernize Coal Street Park," said Congressman Kanjorski.  "Last October, I had the privilege to announce significant funding for the project through the New Markets Tax Credit which I worked to create several years ago with President Bill Clinton to help extend economic opportunity to communities in need.  Today, I am pleased to join Senator Casey in announcing this significant funding to enable needed renovations to create recreational facilities that the public can easily access."

"Through the efforts of Congressman Kanjorski, Senator Casey, Governor Edward G. Rendell and other state, local and county officials, the City of Wilkes-Barre has made the renovation of Coal Street Park a reality," said Mayor Leighton.  "This project exemplifies the kind of outstanding public projects that result from cooperation among various levels of government.  They have recognized how pivotal this project is to renewing a section of Wilkes-Barre and a gateway into the city and have responded with their support."

The redevelopment project is a $13.7 million initiative that will convert Wilkes-Barre's Coal Street Park into Northeastern Pennsylvania's premier recreation facility.  Located along a major gateway to the city's downtown, a renovated Coal Street Park will transform a blighted parcel into an attractive public facility that will spur further economic growth. 

Senator Casey made securing funding for this project a top priority in the fiscal 2009 appropriations cycle.  This funding reflects Senator Casey's commitment to working with Mayor Leighton and Pennsylvania's congressional delegation to revitalize Wilkes-Barre. 

In October 2008, Congressman Kanjorski joined Mayor Leighton to announce a $12 million investment to renovate Wilkes-Barre's Coal Street Park through the New Markets Tax Credit.  Congressman Kanjorski worked closely with then President Bill Clinton to enact into law this initiative which created the mechanism to assemble the funding needed for the city to complete this important community renewal project.  These tax credits, along with other sources, are being used by the City of Wilkes-Barre to fund the project.  The New Markets Tax Credit is a $19.5 billion federal initiative that provides incentives to attract private investment for business growth and community development opportunities in underserved neighborhoods. 

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