The lackawanna heritage valley authority, develops and implements projects and activities for the administration, operations, and maintenance of the lackawanna river heritage trail, provides and…

The Department of the Interior National Park Service (NPS) awarded a $1,000,000 Cooperative Agreement under the Heritage Partnership Program (CFDA 15.939) to the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA), operating as Lackawanna County Government, effective September 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027. This award funds the development and implementation of projects and activities supporting the administration, operations, and maintenance of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, as well as the delivery of educational and interpretative services focused on Scranton's industrial rail history. The funding supports regional economic development through financial support to local staff and community initiatives.

Under this Heritage Partnership Program award, LHVA will execute a comprehensive range of heritage preservation and community engagement activities consistent with the National Heritage Area management plan, including trail infrastructure development, historic site preservation, educational programming, and heritage tourism initiatives. These products and services are designed to engage the public in environmental stewardship while preserving and interpreting the Lackawanna Valley region's unique cultural and historical resources for educational and inspirational benefit of current and future generations. The cooperative agreement represents continued federal investment in LHVA's heritage area coordination and management functions within the Northeast region.

The lackawanna heritage valley authority, develops and implements projects and activities for the administration, operations, and maintenance of the lackawanna river heritage trail, provides and administers educational and interpretative services focusing on scrantons industrial rail history, and providing financial support to the region and staff, bolstering the local economy.