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Update on Route 611 in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

I’m excited to share some positive news with you. After extensive discussions and collaborative efforts, PennDOT and the National Park Service have agreed on a temporary solution to reopen Route 611. This agreement is a significant step forward in addressing the substantial disruptions caused by the road closure since December 6, 2022.

The planned work includes the installation of a temporary rockfall barrier, which will allow traffic to pass through the affected three-mile section. Once the National Park Service issues the necessary permit, PennDOT anticipates that the work will take about eight to ten weeks to complete.

This is a crucial step in restoring accessibility and alleviating the hardships faced by our residents and businesses. While this solution is temporary, it’s an important move towards a permanent resolution. I am committed to advocating for a comprehensive, long-term solution that balances all interests.

Route 611, which runs through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, has been closed since April 2022 due to heavy rains and subsequent rockslides. I want to publicly thank PennDOT for their persistent collaboration in finding a solution. I am optimistic that this temporary measure will provide the necessary relief to our community as we continue to work toward a permanent resolution.

I will keep you updated as the temporary work progresses and plans for a long-term solution develop.

Read more here.

PASSHE Freezes Tuition for In-State Undergraduates

For the seventh consecutive year, the Board of Governors for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) froze tuition for in-state undergraduates for the 2024-25 academic year. The tuition rate will stay the same at all 10 state-owned public universities.

PASSHE schools serve the most in-state students of any four-year college or university in Pennsylvania, at the lowest price. Nearly 90% of PASSHE’s 82,000 students are Pennsylvania residents, many from middle-income families.

To make higher education more affordable, the Senate passed Grow PA – a package of bills that creates new programs to recruit the best talent to Pennsylvania schools in industries that will grow the state’s economy while also expanding existing financial assistance programs that are already working. Read more about the scholarship and tuition waiver programs.

Veterans – Save the Date!

Join your fellow brothers and sisters in arms as we honor and support all veterans and families in the 40^th Senate District. On Sunday, November 17 from 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, I will be hosting a Veterans Appreciation Luncheon at Trout Lake in Bartonsville. Veterans, your spouses, or a guest are invited to attend this appreciation event with you.

RSVP is required, please do so by clicking here.

Senate Approves Bill Providing Support to Military Community

The Senate unanimously passed legislation to improve the quality of life for service members, veterans and their families by creating and operating the Service Member Veterans and Their Families Fund (SMVF Fund).

Senate Bill 1192 would allow the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to lease real estate at Fort Indiantown Gap and use the proceeds to support the SMVF Fund. To ensure transparency and accountability in the fund’s operations, the bill also includes provisions for annual reporting on the revenues, expenditures and activities financed by the SMVF Fund.

The fund would be dedicated to paying for quality-of-life programs – including physical fitness, personal growth, social interaction and recreational activities – for the military community. The programs would be designed to support the readiness and well-being of the service members, veterans and their families.

Successful Event in Lackawanna County!

Last weekend, State Rep. Kyle Mullins and I hosted a shredding event alongside Archbald Borough. A special thank you to Valley View School District for allowing us to use your parking lot!

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