Baker, Fritz Partner to Deliver $500,000 for Honesdale Borough Stormwater Mitigation Project

August 31, 2021

HONESDALE – Sen. Lisa Baker (R- Luzerne/Pike/Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyoming) and Rep. Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna/Wayne) announced Honesdale Borough will receive $500,000 in state grant money from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for its Vine Street Stormwater Mitigation Project following a meeting with officials from the borough and Wayne County.

“As the Honesdale region continues to flourish, there is a need to stay focused on the enhancement of infrastructure,” said Fritz. “There is a direct connection between those upgrades and improved quality of life. I am very thankful that all stakeholders work well together and share a simple goal – progress.”

The Vine Street Stormwater Mitigation Project drainage area is approximately 140 densely-populated acres that includes the Crestmont Development section of the borough along with a large portion of the Ridge and Terrace Street Hillside section of Honesdale. The plan is envisioned to include three phases. Once complete, the drainage area would have a more direct stormwater delivery to final daylight at the Lackawaxen River.

“Our region is increasingly affected by severe weather events that overwhelm existing drainage capacity. The resultant flooding does damage to structures and facilities, requiring time and resources to repair,” said Baker. “It is beyond inconvenient; the cost becomes even higher if people are injured or killed. Substances and debris washing into local streams adversely affect water quality and aquatic life. In response to the problems that became painfully apparent in May, we moved quickly to secure state money to help fix an emergency situation for the community.”

“Borough officials look forward to working with the residents and commercial stakeholders in the implementation of a series of stormwater projects that will affect the Vine Street area watershed,” said Judith Poltanis, Honesdale Borough secretary. “We appreciate the support received from Rep. Fritz and Sen. Baker in this endeavor. Borough officials will work closely with the Honesdale Area Stormwater Task Force to identify and plan future collaborations across municipal boundaries. The resources at the Wayne Conservation District have been invaluable to borough officials and to the task force.”

This funding comes in response to a severe storm event that occurred back in May which compromised multiple areas of stormwater infrastructure. While the borough continues to work and upgrade these areas, the meeting identified the Vine Street area as critically in need of corrective action to help contain stormwater.

It is the mission of the DCED to encourage the shared prosperity of all Pennsylvanians by supporting good stewardship and sustainable development initiatives across the Commonwealth.

Representative Jonathan Fritz
111th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Abby Krueger
717.260.6617
akrueger@pahousegop.com
RepFritzPA.com / Facebook.com/RepFritz