More than $11.3 million in recently approved Local Share Account funding generated through Mohegan Pennsylvania will support communities across Luzerne County. The money will go toward ambulances, bridge improvements, park upgrades, educational investments, and public safety projects.
The Local Share Account, or LSA, is a Pennsylvania program that distributes gaming tax revenues to local community, public safety, and economic development projects. The newest round builds on a longer record of support that includes more than $159 million in property tax relief for homeowners in Luzerne County school districts since 2016.
On the emergency services side, new ambulances will go to the City of Wilkes-Barre and Hughestown Borough. The City of Hazleton will complete interior and exterior fire station repairs. Police departments in Salem Township, Pittston Township, Jackson Township, and Jenkins Township will receive equipment and vehicle upgrades. The Wilkes-Barre Police Department will get public safety and communications improvements, including enhancements to its digital messaging infrastructure.
Parks and recreation projects include the Pittston City Open Space Build Out Project, Market & Main Promenade Park Improvements in Pittston and the Hazle Township Park Loop & Accessibility Project. Funding will also support restoration at Charney Park and Slapar Park in West Wyoming Borough and rehabilitation of the Woodside Playground in Foster Township. Wilkes University, King’s College and Camp Kresge will see educational and community facility investments.
Infrastructure plans include a replacement for the North Market Street Bridge in Nanticoke City and stormwater drainage improvements at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza. Funding will also go to downtown public square pathway improvements in Wilkes-Barre, Ashley Main Street streetscape improvements, and Penn Plaza streetscape and redevelopment work. Hunlock Township street improvements, road paving, and additional bridge, drainage, and stormwater projects across the county are also planned.
“Mohegan Pennsylvania has always taken great pride in being a major employer, entertainment destination and community partner in Luzerne County and across Pennsylvania,” said Tony Carlucci, president and general manager of Mohegan Pennsylvania.
State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, who represents the 121st District, said the LSA investments help municipalities address needed repairs, improvements and essential services without requiring them to bear the full cost through additional local taxes. He said he has worked with the leaders, staff and community members at Mohegan Pennsylvania for more than 20 years.
Revenue generated by Mohegan Pennsylvania has also contributed more than $159 million in property tax relief across Luzerne County’s 11 school districts since 2016. That averages more than $14 million a year and helps reduce the school property tax burden for local residents.
Mohegan Pennsylvania, owned by Mohegan, opened in 2006 as the first destination to bring gaming to Pennsylvania. It sits on 400 acres in Plains and includes a renovated 238-room hotel with a spa, a 20,000-square-foot convention center, about 80,000 square feet of gaming space, and live harness racing.
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