Pocono News Section

Taxpayer Money to Help Fund Stadium Repairs

Taxpayer Money to Help Fund Stadium Repairs - Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 5:50PM EST

Reported by: Eyewitness News
Wednesday, Sep 9, 2009 @ 05:50pm EST
MOOSIC, LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- Plans to make repairs and renovations to PNC Field took a major step forward Wednesday. Lackawanna County commissioners entered into an agreement to partially fund the project.

Commissioners expect it will cost roughly $1.2 million to correct the current drainage and field problems at PNC Field.

They know coughing up the money which they expect to get back is the only way to keep baseball in our area it only took moments but Wednesday Lackawanna County Commissioners made a decision they hope lasts for a long time.

They pledged taxpayer money to make turf and drainage repairs at PNC Field. Commissioner Corey O'Brien said, ÒWe're committed to baseball and we're committed to keeping them here and if we don't replace that field and make the upgrade -- then that team is gone. That franchise is history."

Right now the exact amount of money needed is still being calculated, but by all estimates it should be roughly 1.2 million dollars.

Wednesday's reimbursement agreement means the county will be repaid. ÒThis will ensure that any money that the county advances to the stadium authority for this project will be repaid by the stadium authority to the county," said Commissioner Mike Washo.

Eyewitness News talked to several people in downtown Scranton about Wednesday's commissioners decision. A majority of people say they're angry. They don't want taxpayer money used in that way.

Wednesday's decision comes just one day before commissioners have a public hearing on the future of baseball. A private group has said the 22-year-old stadium needs at least $13 million in renovations.

Commissioners want to put the public on notice the true amount may even be higher. Ò13 million dollars only brings you up to code, but that doesn't provide for all the amenities necessary for the public for the next 20 years," said OÕBrien.

ThursdayÕs baseball hearing is scheduled for 1:00 P. M. at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport's board room. The public is invited to attend.

Luzerne County Commissioners, who are also partners in the baseball franchise, are also expected to be there.