Recent water main breaks in downtown Scranton have spurred city leaders to seek financial assistance for affected businesses and residents. The city is also urging Pennsylvania American Water to expedite the replacement of the aging water main, which dates back 140 years.
At a City Hall gathering, Mayor Paige Cognetti, alongside city council members and business representatives, discussed strategies to support the community and emphasized the urgency of replacing the infrastructure. Mayor Cognetti stressed, “We clearly see that this is an issue, and I know we’re all worried that this could happen again.”
Relief Efforts Underway
The initial break occurred on July 17 near City Hall, affecting various government buildings and local businesses. A second incident followed ten days later, again disrupting water supply and operations.
Though Pennsylvania American Water responded promptly, Scranton remains under a boil advisory, affecting approximately 770 customers. In response, the city is working with state officials and exploring potential relief through the Public Utility Commission and other avenues. As Council Vice President Patrick Flynn stated, compensation for business losses is a priority, though not guaranteed.
To aid in securing grant funds, the city plans to release a form on its website for affected parties to document their losses. Mayor Cognetti noted, “That will collect some of the data points that will make it easier for places like DCED, ourselves, and others to understand the scope of the loss.”
Infrastructure Replacement Demands
Mayor Cognetti is in talks with Pennsylvania American Water to prioritize the replacement of the downtown water main. She highlighted the unsustainability of relying on outdated infrastructure and expressed concerns about potential rate increases for Scranton residents.
The mayor criticized the water company’s management, saying, “We have folks making money in some other state in a corporate boardroom when we are sustaining losses and people’s business hours aren’t open, and people can’t brush their teeth and take a shower before work.” The old main spans from Ash Street to Lackawanna Avenue, a project of considerable scope.
Supporting Local Businesses
Bob Durkin, president and CEO of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, calls for community support of downtown businesses. He urged residents to patronize local establishments, emphasizing their role in the local economy. “Let’s recognize what they’ve gone through,” he said.
Community solidarity is evident as businesses support each other. For instance, Zummo’s Cafe donates proceeds from specialty drinks to Northern Light Espresso Bar in downtown Scranton. Flynn remarked, “Our businesses stand up for one another. Our community stands up for each other, and that is one of the greatest parts of who Scranton is,” highlighting the city’s resilience.
