Scranton Completes Major Minooka Stormwater Project
The city finished a $1.8 million upgrade to resolve chronic flooding in the Minooka neighborhood.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Home Renovation
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Scranton has officially completed a $1.8 million stormwater improvement project designed to alleviate long-standing flooding issues in the Minooka neighborhood. The infrastructure initiative involved significant upgrades to the city's drainage capacity across the bowl area.
Why it matters
The project addresses persistent street flooding that has impacted residents near Pittston Avenue and Kane Street since the 1950s. City officials anticipate these upgrades will reduce the frequency of emergency pump-outs by the fire department.
The city installed 4,000 feet of new piping and replaced 18-inch pipes with 36-inch diameter pipes to double drainage capacity. New drains were also installed in the Hamm Court alley to further improve flow.
The players
Scranton
Scranton is the sixth-largest city in Pennsylvania and the county seat of Lackawanna County.
The details
Workers removed a significant blockage caused by collapsed old bricks under Pittston Avenue that had been hindering water movement. These physical improvements to the underground basin are intended to prevent future water accumulation.
Timeline
Flooding issues in the Minooka neighborhood date back to the 1950s.
Construction work for the stormwater project began in late June 2026.
Construction on the stormwater project was completed in October 2026.
Culture Shift
This project reflects a broader movement by local governments to utilize American Rescue Plan Act funding to address long-deferred infrastructure maintenance. It marks a shift toward proactive investment in municipal resilience rather than relying on reactive emergency measures.
Residents in the Minooka neighborhood can expect significantly reduced street flooding during heavy rainfall events. Homeowners in the Pittston Avenue and Kane Street area should see fewer disruptions to traffic and reduced need for emergency services.
The takeaway
Reliable stormwater management is essential for maintaining neighborhood stability and preventing repetitive property damage. Residents should monitor local drainage areas during future storms to report any new blockages that may occur.
Further reading
For more on infrastructure improvements, visit the Scranton Home Renovation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Scranton Times-Tribune.
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Do you trust that recent local infrastructure upgrades in your area will solve chronic flooding issues?
