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Working to Prevent Further Delays on Glenbrook Bridge Project

The Glenbrook bridge has been closed since August 2020 due to damage from Tropical Storm Isaias. While construction began in October 2022, there have been challenges with obtaining permits and managing environmental restrictions. The residents of our community have shown great patience, but I know frustration is growing as we passed the fourth year of the Glenbrook Bridge being out of service. I’ve been working with the contractor and coordinating with PennDOT and DEP to streamline the necessary approvals and avoid further delays.

These collaborative efforts have made an impact. We’ve secured the ability to work simultaneously on both sides of the bridge, a move that should keep the project on schedule, mitigating additional delays. The aim is to have the bridge decking poured by December, and I’m optimistic that we’ll meet this goal.

Additionally, the project has received a permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, enabling construction near the stream to continue until October 2024. To mitigate the impact on the local ecosystem during trout spawning season, a cofferdam is being used so work can proceed through the winter without disrupting the stream. These proactive measures, along with DEP’s approvals, will hopefully prevent further setbacks.

I remain fully committed to seeing this project through to its completion as swiftly as possible. My office will continue to engage with all relevant parties and advocate for the community’s concerns throughout this process. Thank you for your patience, and I will keep you updated as we make progress.

Read my full release here.

Brown Launches New Voter FAQ Webpage to Clarify Pennsylvania Election Processes

I’m excited to announce the launch of a comprehensive FAQ webpage I have created to help answer your most common questions about Pennsylvania’s election process.

Civic engagement and secure elections are the bedrock of our Republic. When citizens actively participate and voting is conducted with integrity, we strengthen the foundation of our nation—ensuring that every voice is heard, every vote is counted, and trust in our institutions is upheld. As your state Senator, my goal is to uphold these values.

Unfortunately, I regularly receive feedback that individuals do not know where to find trusted, factual, and simply unbiased information regarding our elections. It is my hope this FAQ page will be a source of trusted and impartial information for all Pennsylvania voters, whether you are Democrat, Republican, or Independent.

For more information and to access the FAQ page, please visit Brown’s official website here.

Scenes from the 40th Senatorial District

This week’s photo winner comes courtesy of Regina of Tobyhanna, who took this exceptional photo of Tobyhanna State Park. Regina’s photo has been shared on my social media and posted to the 40th Senatorial District Photo Gallery.

Interested in showcasing your photography skills?

I am inviting residents of the 40th Senatorial District to share their photography and help capture the beauty and character of our community. Whether it’s a stunning landscape, a lively community event, or a cherished historical landmark, I encourage you to submit photos that highlight the unique aspects of our district, which includes parts of Lackawanna and Wayne counties, and all of Monroe County.

Click here to submit your work and learn more.

Route 611 Update

I’m pleased to share that the temporary repairs on Route 611 in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area are moving forward, with the road expected to reopen in the coming weeks. Key progress has been made, including the completion of concrete work, nearly finished electrical and barrier installations, and drainage pipe cleaning. A repave will also occur from Waring Drive to Arrow Island Overlook.

This reopening will provide much-needed relief for our residents, businesses, and commuters.

Read more here.

Bill to Improve Early Literacy Poised for Enactment

The Senate and House unanimously passed and sent to the governor legislation to give students the best chance at lifelong success through a strong, evidence-based reading program.

Senate Bill 801 would provide schools with resources to dramatically improve early literacy in Pennsylvania. First, it would bolster reading instruction by giving schools a comprehensive list of evidence-based reading curricula. Second, it would help schools identify struggling readers early via universal screening by providing a list of high-quality screeners. Third, it would ensure educators are properly trained to use the structured literacy curriculum and screeners by creating a list of high-quality professional development programs.

Low literacy scores are a problem that spans the geographic and demographic spectrum, with urban cities and rural communities struggling to help their students read proficiently at their age level. Studies show that childhood reading difficulties can produce long-term effects and dramatically impact someone’s chances of success.

Sycamore Point Park – Grand Opening

I was excited to take part in the ribbon cutting ceremony at Sycamore Point Park in Honesdale this week.

Sycamore Point Park is located at the end of 12th Street, where the river bends below the iconic Irving Cliff, across from where Dyberry Creek meets the Lackawaxen. A river walk has been constructed with a handicapped-accessible ramp leading from 12th Street between Church and Court streets down to the river’s edge. At the bend, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has made improvements to the fishing access. The walkway joins this point and leads up to the park setting developed by Wayne County, where maple trees have been planted, benches and picnic tables installed.

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