Ideas

Paige Gebhardt Cognetti
Mayor | Scranton, PA

ARPA Case Study: Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti Invests in City’s Recovery and Resilience after Flooding

Idea Category: American Rescue Plan Act, Funding, Public Safety | Funding Source: American Rescue Plan

In Scranton, Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti has effectively deployed the American Rescue Plan Act to tackle the most pressing issues facing her community. From supporting small businesses and expanding childcare access to investing in community wellness programs, Cognetti has capitalized on the flexible use of ARPA funds to meet the varied and changing needs of her city.

Furthermore, after a strong storm in September, 2023 hammered parts of Keyser Valley and North Scranton, Cognetti quickly announced a flood relief fund leveraging ARPA dollars.

The new budget allocation provides up to $5,000 for eligible households and provides other support to nonprofit organizations and businesses recovering from flood damages. These Disaster Recovery grants can be used for costs related to property repair, appliance repair or replacement, debris removal, insurance deductibles, and moving. “By reallocating more than $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding, we are providing some financial relief from the September storm and enacting long-term plans to prevent future flooding across the City,” said Gebhardt Cognetti.

Scranton’s original ARPA budget allocated $17 million in various stormwater management efforts, including funds to form a regional Stormwater Management Authority that would execute cooperative plans across municipalities to prepare for and prevent damage from events like September’s flash flood.

More Idea’s From Paige Gebhardt Cognetti

Small Business Wage Boost

Idea Category: Jobs and Entrepreneurship, Promoting Equity | Funding Source: ARP

ARP: Scranton PA, Creates Recovery Grants to Support Small Businesses

Idea Category: Jobs and Entrepreneurship | Funding Source: ARP