Pashinski announces approval of $2.5 million in RACP grants for Wilkes-Barre projects

WILKES-BARRE, Dec. 6 – State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Luzerne, announced today the approval of two Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants to King’s College and Project Elevate totaling $2.5 million.

Specifically, Project Elevate was approved for a $500,000 grant to provide a sustainable workforce development system to be located at the Train Station Complex off Wilkes-Barre Boulevard in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

“This funding will help continue the revitalization of the Train Station Complex in Wilkes-Barre, providing another reason to live and visit the heart of our beautiful city and region,” Pashinski said. “I want to thank Governor Wolf for understanding what an important role downtown Wilkes-Barre plays in the economic, social and cultural wellbeing of our region.”

King’s College was approved for $2 million toward rehabilitating the Times Leader Building. The improvements include abatement of hazardous materials, redevelopment, structural improvements, interior improvements, general construction, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, interior demolition, flooring, elevator, roof, facade, and site work. The project will ultimately convert the building into a facility to prepare career-ready candidates for high-paying, in-demand professions.

“The Times Leader Building is a local landmark of great significance – and will continue to be thanks to the approval of this grant for King’s College. Not only will this funding ensure this downtown property is preserved and enhanced, but it will also be used to teach, train and prepare future generations of King’s students for family-sustaining careers. I’m proud to have advocated for and received approval for both of these RACP projects and I want to thank again Governor Wolf for seeing how important this $2.5 million investment will be for our downtown and region.”

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues or other measures of economic activity.