Probst announces nearly $1 million in state funding for projects across Monroe and Pike counties

Rep. Tarah Probst September 15, 2026 | 11:39 AM

STROUDSBURG, Sept. 15 – State Rep. Tarah Probst announced today that eight projects in her legislative district have been awarded a combined $986,911 in state funding through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Local Share Account Statewide program.

The grants will support projects that improve emergency services, modernize local infrastructure, strengthen community organizations and make communities across Monroe and Pike counties better places to live.

“These investments will have a direct impact on our communities and the people who live here,” Probst said. “Whether it’s helping our first responders replace aging equipment, improving our wastewater system, making community facilities safer or supporting organizations that serve our neighbors, these grants are putting state dollars to work where they are needed most. I’m proud to help bring these investments home.”

The projects receiving state funding are:

American Legion Post 851 Heat Upgrade Project — $26,785: This funding will replace the aging heating and cooling system at American Legion Post 851. The current system is unreliable and expensive to operate, making it harder for veterans and community members to use the building. The new system will make the facility more comfortable, reliable and energy efficient.
East Stroudsburg Borough’s Duperon FlexRake Mechanical Bar Screen System Project — $279,145: This grant will help the borough upgrade equipment at its wastewater treatment plant.
Lehman Township $100,000: This funding will help Lehman Township replace aging ambulances used by Lehman Pike EMS. The current vehicles are increasingly expensive to maintain and more prone to breakdowns. New ambulances will help emergency crews respond quickly and reliably when residents need help.
Bushkill VFC Firehouse and Emergency Shelter Renovations — $200,000: This grant will help make much-needed improvements to the Bushkill Fire Company’s firehouse. The project will replace failing garage doors, improve the heating and cooling system, upgrade the building’s interior and signage, and make the bathrooms accessible to people with disabilities. The improvements will also help preserve the building’s role as a regional emergency shelter during disasters.
Animal Welfare Society of Monroe — AWSOM Animal Shelter Expansion — $50,000: This funding will help AWSOM expand its animal shelter in Stroud Township. The project will add a two-story addition to the existing facility and improve parking and access to the building. The additional space will allow AWSOM to care for more animals and better serve families throughout the community.
Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center — Pocono Wildlife Facility Repair & Renovations — $130,981: This grant will help Pocono Wildlife repair and improve its aging facility. The work will create better space for treating animals, add a new outdoor enclosure, improve care areas and provide specialized housing for animals that require extra precautions. The project also includes repairs to the facility’s driveway. These improvements will help the center continue caring for the injured and orphaned wildlife brought to it from across the region.
The Fine Arts Discovery Series — Sherman Theater Building Renovation Project — $200,000: This funding will help the Sherman Theatre make needed repairs and upgrades to its historic building in downtown Stroudsburg. The work will address structural issues, the heating and cooling system, roof, utilities and asbestos, while also adding a natural gas generator to keep the theater operating safely during power outages. The Sherman Theatre hosts more than 240 events each year.

“Strong communities depend on reliable emergency services, safe infrastructure and community organizations that have the resources to serve their neighbors,” Probst said. “These projects address real needs, and I’m excited to see the difference they will make for residents across Monroe and Pike counties.”

The Local Share Account program uses gaming revenues to fund projects that benefit communities across Pennsylvania and improve residents’ quality of life.

Probst represents the 189^th Legislative District, which includes Delaware Water Gap, East Stroudsburg, and Stroudsburg boroughs, the eastern parts of Stroud and Middle Smithfield townships, Smithfield Township in Monroe County and Lehman, Porter and Delaware townships in Pike County.

###rjb/2026/agh
l:\print\releases\

CONTACT: Ryan Bevitz
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-7895
Email: rbevitz@pahouse.net