American Legion in Lewisburg uses ARPA funds for much-needed parking lot improvements

Justin Strawser, The Daily Item, Sunbury, Pa.
·2 min read
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Nov. 30—LEWISBURG — The Kratzer-Dull American Legion Post 182 used its COVID-19 relief money toward a new parking lot.

The American Legion, located at 125 Buffalo Road, Lewisburg, was awarded $69,000 from Union County in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds last year. Post Commander Robert Frangione and 30-year board member Robert Hartman said the organization serves the community, veterans, clubs and auxiliary members, so having a safe place to park is essential to continuing that mission.

"We desperately needed it," said Hartman, who served in the U.S. Marines from 1972 to 1976 and the U.S. Army from 1981 to 1994. "We didn't have that kind of money. It had ruts. It was horrible."

"It was cracked and needed to be resurfaced," said Frangione, who served from 1963 to 1967 in the U.S. Navy.

They said the American Legion serves the community. It has a bowling alley where the local high school team plays. They have an event space and regular club room for members. They give money to various community organizations and sponsor high school sports and band. The Purple Heart Club, the Fraternity of Police, the Sons of the American Legion and the Auxiliary all use the building as a meeting place.

Charles Construction Company, of Jersey Shore, completed the paving project in May. The neighboring car dealership Fairfield Chevrolet Cadillac / Fairfield Auto Group, which shares the parking lot, chipped in funds toward the project, said Hartman.

Post 182 was founded in 1919 and named for Ralph J. Dull and Bright K. Kratzer, who both died in World War I in France. The organization has 420 active members, not including social and auxiliary members.

Since October 2022, the county has awarded 26 local municipalities, organizations and projects a portion of $8,008,236 in ARPA funds from Union County. Union County received $9 million of the $6.15 billion federal funds allocated to Pennsylvania. The county has approximately $905,000 that has not been allocated.

Frangione said he is thankful to the commissioners for recognizing the need.

Commissioner Chair Jeff Reber said the county should be helping veterans who serve and their families.

"I strongly supported the paving project at the American Legion," said Reber.