Watro Announces More than $1 Million in Funding for Luzerne, Schuylkill County Nonprofits in the 116th District

December 18, 2025

HAZLETON – Rep. Dane Watro (R-Luzerne/Schuylkill) today announced more than $1 million in Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) funding awarded to nonprofit organizations in Luzerne and Schuylkill counties. The funding is made possible by businesses contributing to the nonprofit organizations, for which those businesses receive tax credits.

“The business tax credits leveraged through this program support essential community initiatives such as affordable housing, workforce development, education and blight remediation,” said Watro. “The public-private collaboration embodied by NAP tax credits helps revitalize struggling neighborhoods, promotes self-sufficiency and improves the quality of life for low-income residents. At this time of year, issues like poverty and hunger are even more pronounced, so I’m grateful for these organizations doing impactful, hands-on work in our local communities.”

In Luzerne County, the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA will use $972,000 in funding for a project to address a blighted property in downtown Hazleton. Facade improvements will be made to the YMCA childcare building, and a dilapidated structure will be demolished to create new recreational opportunities for YMCA members and the children in its care. The businesses contributing to the project include Jacobi Capital Management; M&T Bank; 3KR4, LLC; and 3KR3, LLC.

Following the awards announcement, Greater Wyoming Valley YMCA CEO Jim Thomas said: “This project reflects the power of collaboration. The combined efforts of our local businesses, area lawmakers and community leaders have made this investment possible, and their shared commitment to revitalizing Hazleton will have a lasting impact on local families. We extend our sincere thanks to our generous contributors – Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services, Jacobi Capital Management, and M&T Bank, as well as Senator David Argall, Representative Dane Watro, Mayor Jeff Cusat, and the dedicated team at the Department of Community and Economic Development for their continued leadership and support. Together, we are creating a safer, more vibrant neighborhood and expanding services that help parents return to work.”


Additionally, Schuylkill County’s Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. will receive $31,500 to help fund the construction of the North Schuylkill Center for Education, Business and the Arts. Mid Penn Bank contributed to the project.

Administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the Neighborhood Assistance Program can award tax credits of up to 65% for businesses that contribute to nonprofit organizations’ projects that must serve distressed areas or support neighborhood conservation. Projects must fall under one of the following categories: affordable housing programs, community services, crime prevention, education, job training or neighborhood assistance.



Representative Dane Watro
116th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Chris Comisac
717-772-9845
ccomisac@pahousegop.com 
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