SCRANTON, PA. – The City of Scranton was awarded $198,170 in Local Share Account (LSA) statewide grant funds for new equipment supporting the Scranton Police Department (SPD). Local Share Account grants distribute a portion of state gaming revenues through the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest.
“We are grateful for SPD’s hard work and our collaboration with law enforcement at every level that got us through a packed calendar this summer, including Big Boy and FIFA. This support from our state legislators will help SPD keep our community safe as we continue to attract large-scale events,” Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti said.
Scranton’s Office of Economic and Community Development applied in October 2025 for the LSA statewide funding approved on Sept. 15. The $198,170 award supports the SPD and the purchase of a modular vehicle barrier trailer system. The barrier system is capable of stopping a 15,000-lb. vehicle within 20 feet, and it can be deployed by a single person in less than 10 seconds. The system will help SPD as they “protect high-traffic areas, public events, and emergency zones with speed, strength, and flexibility.”
Throughout 2026, the City of Scranton has been fortunate to host multiple large-scale community events. Traditions like the annual Saint Patrick’s Parade, the 50th anniversary of La Festa Italiana, the 21st annual Scranton Jazz Festival, and the 4th annual Latino Fiesta joined one-time celebrations like the FIFA World Cup Fan Zone.
As the hub of Lackawanna County, these events bring thousands of people to Scranton to celebrate our country and community. The new SPD mobile barriers will increase the department’s ability to help protect major community gatherings and other high-profile events.
Events organized in honor of the 160th anniversary of Scranton’s incorporation as a city and the 250th birthday of the United States continue next month with a traveling tribute to veterans planned for Nay Aug Park, 500 Arthur Ave., Scranton, from Oct. 2-4.
ABOUT THE CITY OF SCRANTON: Incorporated in 1866, the City of Scranton has a population of approximately 76,000 residents and is the sixth-largest municipality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Scranton City Hall is located at 340 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. Residents requiring services should visit www.scrantonpa.gov
ABOUT MAYOR PAIGE G. COGNETTI: Paige G. Cognetti was sworn in as the 36th Mayor of Scranton in January 2020 and took her third Oath of Office in January 2026. Her administration is focused on public safety, fiscal discipline, driving economic growth, upgrading infrastructure, government transparency and efficiency, and improving residents’ overall quality of life.
City of Scranton Awarded Nearly $200,000 in Support of Scranton Police Department | Press Release
Last modified: September 23, 2026
