Senator Ray Musto

The Pennsylvania State Capitol Building

On-line newsletter

Pennsylvania Lottery results   

Photo Journal- additional pictures and news releases
 

Newsworthy

SENATE APPROVES MUSTO’S RAIL STUDY RESOLUTION

            HARRISBURG, April 19 — The state Senate today unanimously approved a resolution sponsored by state Sen. Ray Musto (D-Luzerne) that would direct the state Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to do a cost-benefit analysis of developing passenger rail service between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton.

The rail service would work in conjunction with the proposed connecting service to the New York City region.  Musto said Wilkes-Barre needs to be a part of the Lackawanna Cut-Off project that would run passenger rail service from Scranton to Hoboken, NJ.

            “I am pleased that my Senate colleagues, both Democrats and Republicans, realize the importance of including Wilkes-Barre in the discussion of a passenger rail service plan that serves Northeast Pennsylvania.” Musto said.  “Extending the passenger rail service to Luzerne County, considering the relative short distance and minimal expense from Scranton, seems to be a no brainer for economic development.”

            Musto’s resolution, Senate Resolution 146, would direct the committee to review the alignment and trackage necessary to provide passenger rail service between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton; preferred ownership and management structure and operational requirements to provide such service; and the anticipated ridership for a Wilkes-Barre to Scranton passenger rail service.

            The committee is required to issue its report to the Senate within one year from today.

 

 

Applying for non-civil service state jobs just got easier!

The commonwealth has improved the way you can apply for non-civil service state jobs. Paper applications are being phased out, so from now on you’ll need to apply online at www.employment.pa.gov.  You will provide your contact information and work history, then select the type of job you want to apply for.  Applicants say it takes about 20 to 30 minutes and you can log back on any time to update your information or apply for additional jobs.

 

Commerce Road Reconstruction Complete

Senator Ray Musto, along with Senator Bob Mellow and Represenative Mike Carroll, cut the ribbon for the long awaited reconstruction of Commerce Road in Pittston Twp and Dupont.  “The reconstruction of Commerce Road, combined with the bridge replacement on Suscon Road, the repaving of Armstrong Road this spring and the construction of the Airport Connector Road joining Commerce Road to Interstate 81 will create a network of first-class roads and bridges that meets the transportation needs of area industry and business while minimizing the traffic on our roads,” said Musto.  The senators and representative praised the cooperation between the Gr. Pittston Chamber of Commerce, the communities and state and county funding sources for bringing the project to completion.  Video comments

 
Enviornmental News:
With the rising cost of natural gas, Pennsylvania has drawn the interest of large companies interested in drilling a previously untapped source lying beneath the commonwealth.  It's known at the Marcellus Shale Formation, and releasing gas requires drilling and then pumping in a million gallons of water mixed with sand and chemicals which breaks up the shale, allowing the gas to flow freely.  Sid Michaels has more from Harrisburg.
 
Photograph of a sinkhole Pittston Mine subsidence study available online

The recently completed Pittston Mine Subsidence Study by the Department of Environmental Resources is available online or in Senator Musto's Pittston office. The report details the potential for mine subsidence throughout the City of Pittston.  Access the full report online
Then Acting Secretary, Department of Environmental Resources, John Hanger, visited Senator Musto's district office in Pittston to outline the Pittston Mine Subsidence Study and announce a reduction in mine subsidence rates. 

The EPA reported that CSOs continue to be a major water pollution concern for cities and that it would cost $54.8 billion to control all the CSOs in the U.S.  The estimate for Pennsylvania alone is $4.6 billion. Senator Musto's opinion and video
Mine Subsidence Insurance reduced by 25%

Following a recent report by the Department of Environmental Resources, Senator Musto encourages homeowners to protect their homes from damage and loss due to mine subsidence.  Property owners can apply for mine subsidence insurance directly from DEP by phone at 800-922-1678 or online at www.pamsi.org. The Web site contains information on subsidence issues and insurance program coverage.  Applications are also available in Senator Musto's Pittston office.
State Senator Ray Musto  was sworn in to Governor Edward G. Rendell’s 30-member Sustainable Water Infrastructure Task Force.  Magisterial District Judge Fred A. Pierantoni III, Pittston, administered the oath of office in Senator Musto’s district office in Pittston.   “I am honored to serve on this prestigious task force and determined to help Pennsylvania chart a new course that will amply provide for our water and wastewater needs for many years to come,” Musto said  full release

Around the District:

Senator Musto reminds constituents of programs

Senator Musto reminds his constituents to take advantage of available state programs aimed at the elderly and low income. The Senator's staff in Pittston is available to answer questions and assist with program applications.    Please call our office today at 1-800-280-4277.

If you are retired or disabled, and your income is less than $19,200, you qualify for a retired registration fee of $10, a savings of $26 over the regular vehicle registration fee.  If you or a family member qualify for a reduced registration, please call my district office for forms and information.

Home page
This page last updated  08/05/10