luzerne county gis mapping

8+ Luzerne County GIS Mapping: Maps & Data

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8+ Luzerne County GIS Mapping: Maps & Data

The geographic info system (GIS) implementation inside a selected Pennsylvania area permits for the visualization, evaluation, and administration of spatial knowledge. This method integrates {hardware}, software program, and knowledge to seize, retailer, analyze, and show geographically referenced info throughout the designated governmental jurisdiction. Instance functions embrace property evaluation, infrastructure planning, emergency response coordination, and environmental useful resource administration. The system depends on correct location knowledge and detailed attribute info to create informative maps and spatial analyses.

The adoption of this know-how gives important benefits to the county’s administration and its residents. Traditionally, knowledge was saved in disparate, usually paper-based, codecs, hindering environment friendly decision-making. The built-in system permits improved knowledge sharing between departments, resulting in extra knowledgeable and coordinated planning initiatives. Enhanced accessibility to spatial info empowers residents with precious insights into their neighborhood, facilitating larger civic engagement and participation in native authorities processes. Moreover, environment friendly useful resource allocation turns into doable by way of data-driven spatial evaluation.

This framework facilitates numerous functions essential for efficient governance and neighborhood growth. The next sections will study particular implementations, knowledge administration protocols, and future growth plans associated to this method throughout the county.

1. Parcel Knowledge Accuracy

Parcel knowledge accuracy varieties a foundational component inside Luzerne County’s geographic info system. Its reliability immediately impacts the validity and usefulness of all spatial analyses and functions reliant on property info. Inaccurate parcel knowledge can result in flawed assessments, misdirected assets, and authorized challenges.

  • Impression on Property Evaluation

    Exact parcel boundaries and attribute knowledge, similar to land use codes and constructing traits, are important for honest and equitable property valuation. Errors in parcel knowledge can lead to inaccurate tax assessments, probably resulting in disputes and monetary discrepancies for each property house owners and the county authorities. Appropriate spatial illustration ensures that each one taxable land and enhancements are accounted for appropriately.

  • Results on Land Use Planning and Zoning

    Parcel knowledge is important for implementing zoning laws and growing complete land use plans. Correct info permits planners to investigate land availability, determine areas appropriate for growth, and assess the influence of proposed tasks on surrounding properties. Inaccurate knowledge can result in incorrect zoning classifications, probably hindering growth or creating conflicts with present land makes use of.

  • Affect on Emergency Response

    Throughout emergencies, correct parcel knowledge is used to find properties and determine potential hazards. Emergency responders depend on this info to effectively navigate to the proper location and perceive the encompassing atmosphere. Errors in parcel knowledge can delay response occasions and probably jeopardize public security.

  • Relationship with Deed Information and Authorized Descriptions

    Sustaining correct parcel knowledge requires cautious coordination with deed data and authorized descriptions. The GIS ought to mirror essentially the most present possession info and boundary delineations as documented in official authorized paperwork. Discrepancies between the GIS knowledge and authorized data can create authorized disputes and undermine the credibility of the system.

The mixed impact of those aspects underscores the important significance of rigorous knowledge high quality management measures inside Luzerne County’s GIS. Continuous updates, common discipline verification, and adherence to established knowledge requirements are obligatory to make sure that parcel knowledge stays correct and dependable, thus maximizing the advantages of your entire geographic info system.

2. Infrastructure Administration

Efficient infrastructure administration inside Luzerne County depends closely on the capabilities afforded by its geographic info system. The system facilitates complete knowledge assortment, evaluation, and visualization important for sustaining and bettering the county’s bodily belongings. This interconnectedness permits proactive decision-making, optimized useful resource allocation, and improved service supply to residents.

  • Asset Stock and Location

    The GIS gives a centralized database for monitoring the situation, situation, and traits of varied infrastructure belongings, together with roads, bridges, water and sewer traces, and public buildings. This stock permits county officers to readily determine belongings requiring upkeep or substitute, enabling well timed interventions and stopping expensive failures. Exact location knowledge ensures environment friendly deployment of assets for repairs and upgrades.

  • Upkeep Scheduling and Monitoring

    The system facilitates the scheduling and monitoring of upkeep actions, permitting for environment friendly useful resource administration and optimized workflows. By integrating work orders with spatial knowledge, officers can monitor the progress of upkeep duties, determine potential bottlenecks, and make sure that important infrastructure receives the required consideration. This proactive method minimizes downtime and extends the lifespan of belongings.

  • Capital Enchancment Planning

    GIS knowledge helps long-term capital enchancment planning by offering a complete view of infrastructure wants and priorities. By analyzing spatial patterns of demand, inhabitants development, and infrastructure situation, officers could make knowledgeable selections about the place to put money into new infrastructure or upgrades. The system permits for the creation of interactive maps and visualizations that talk proposed tasks to stakeholders and facilitate public enter.

  • Emergency Response and Catastrophe Restoration

    Throughout emergencies, the GIS gives important info for coordinating response efforts and facilitating catastrophe restoration. Actual-time knowledge on infrastructure injury, street closures, and evacuation routes permits emergency responders to make knowledgeable selections and allocate assets successfully. The system additionally helps post-disaster assessments, serving to to determine broken infrastructure and prioritize restoration efforts.

The combination of those aspects inside Luzerne Countys GIS framework underscores the system’s indispensable function in trendy infrastructure administration. By leveraging spatial knowledge and analytical instruments, the county can make sure the dependable and environment friendly operation of its infrastructure belongings, enhancing the standard of life for its residents and selling sustainable growth.

3. Emergency Providers Assist

The effectiveness of emergency companies inside Luzerne County is considerably enhanced by way of the utilization of its geographic info system. This method gives important spatial knowledge and analytical capabilities that assist varied elements of emergency response, from dispatch operations to useful resource allocation and post-incident evaluation. The combination of GIS know-how contributes to improved response occasions, enhanced situational consciousness, and in the end, elevated public security.

  • Enhanced 911 Dispatch

    The GIS permits exact location identification for incoming 911 calls. This permits dispatchers to shortly decide the caller’s location, even in conditions the place the caller is unable to offer a transparent handle. The system gives real-time mapping of incident areas, close by emergency assets, and optimum routing instructions for responders. This enhanced dispatch functionality reduces response occasions and ensures that the suitable assets are deployed to the proper location.

  • Improved Situational Consciousness

    Throughout an emergency, the GIS gives responders with important situational consciousness by way of the show of related spatial knowledge. This consists of info on constructing layouts, hazardous supplies areas, utility infrastructure, and evacuation routes. Responders can use this info to evaluate the dangers and develop efficient methods for mitigating the emergency. Actual-time knowledge updates, similar to climate situations and street closures, additional improve situational consciousness.

  • Optimized Useful resource Allocation

    The GIS facilitates the environment friendly allocation of emergency assets by offering a complete view of accessible belongings and their areas. This consists of hearth stations, ambulances, police models, and specialised gear. By analyzing spatial patterns of incidents and useful resource availability, officers can determine areas the place further assets are wanted and optimize the deployment of present belongings. This ensures that assets are allotted successfully and that each one areas of the county obtain satisfactory emergency protection.

  • Submit-Incident Evaluation and Planning

    Following an emergency, the GIS is used to investigate the occasion and determine areas for enchancment in emergency response procedures. Spatial knowledge is used to map the influence of the incident, assess the effectiveness of response efforts, and determine potential vulnerabilities. This evaluation informs the event of up to date emergency plans, coaching packages, and useful resource allocation methods. The result’s a extra resilient emergency response system that’s higher ready to deal with future incidents.

The demonstrated advantages of the geographic info system to Luzerne County’s emergency companies illustrate its pivotal function in safeguarding the neighborhood. Continued funding in GIS know-how and knowledge upkeep will additional improve its capabilities and guarantee its continued contribution to public security.

4. Environmental Evaluation

Environmental evaluation inside Luzerne County leverages the capabilities of its geographic info system to assist knowledgeable decision-making relating to pure assets, air pollution management, and land administration. The system gives instruments for visualizing, analyzing, and modeling environmental knowledge, enabling stakeholders to know the spatial distribution of environmental elements and their potential impacts.

  • Watershed Administration and Water High quality Monitoring

    The GIS facilitates watershed delineation, water high quality monitoring website mapping, and the evaluation of potential air pollution sources. Knowledge on land cowl, soil sorts, and hydrological options are built-in to evaluate watershed well being and determine areas susceptible to contamination. This info helps the event and implementation of watershed administration plans geared toward defending water assets.

  • Habitat Conservation and Biodiversity Evaluation

    The system permits the mapping and evaluation of important habitats, uncommon species areas, and ecological corridors. Knowledge on vegetation sorts, elevation, and proximity to water our bodies are used to evaluate biodiversity and determine areas for conservation. This info helps land use planning selections that reduce habitat fragmentation and shield delicate ecosystems.

  • Brownfield Remediation and Website Evaluation

    GIS is used to handle info on brownfield websites, together with their location, contamination ranges, and remediation progress. Spatial evaluation instruments assist to evaluate the extent of contamination plumes, determine potential receptors, and plan remediation methods. This info helps the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfield websites, selling financial revitalization and environmental safety.

  • Floodplain Administration and Hazard Mitigation

    The system is used to map floodplains, assess flood dangers, and develop hazard mitigation plans. Knowledge on elevation, flood historical past, and infrastructure are built-in to mannequin flood inundation zones and determine areas susceptible to flooding. This info helps land use laws, constructing codes, and emergency preparedness efforts geared toward lowering flood injury.

These functions underscore the worth of the county’s geographic info system in supporting environmental stewardship. By offering a complete platform for knowledge integration and evaluation, the system empowers stakeholders to make knowledgeable selections that shield the atmosphere and improve the standard of life for residents. The continued growth and refinement of GIS instruments and knowledge assets will additional strengthen the county’s capability to handle environmental challenges and promote sustainable growth.

5. Zoning laws

Zoning laws, as applied inside Luzerne County, are basically intertwined with its geographic info system (GIS). The GIS serves as the first platform for visualizing, analyzing, and disseminating zoning info, immediately influencing the enforcement and utility of those laws. With out the spatial illustration afforded by the GIS, efficient zoning administration could be considerably hampered. The zoning map, a core part of the GIS, delineates distinct zoning districts, every ruled by particular land use restrictions, constructing peak limitations, setback necessities, and different growth requirements. An actual-world instance consists of figuring out permissible constructing sorts on a given parcel. A constructing allow utility is cross-referenced in opposition to the parcel’s zoning district throughout the GIS to confirm compliance with allowed makes use of.

The sensible significance of understanding this connection extends to numerous stakeholders. Property house owners depend on the GIS-based zoning map to determine allowable makes use of and growth requirements for his or her land. Builders make the most of the system to determine appropriate websites for proposed tasks, contemplating zoning constraints and alternatives. County officers make use of the GIS for planning functions, monitoring growth tendencies, and implementing zoning laws. Furthermore, the GIS facilitates transparency and public entry to zoning info. On-line zoning maps and interactive instruments allow residents to readily entry and interpret zoning laws, fostering larger participation in native planning processes. For example, proposed zoning adjustments are sometimes visualized throughout the GIS, permitting the general public to know the potential spatial impacts of the adjustments earlier than they’re adopted.

In abstract, zoning laws are inextricably linked to Luzerne Countys GIS. The GIS gives the spatial framework for outlining, administering, and implementing zoning laws. Whereas challenges stay in sustaining knowledge accuracy and guaranteeing constant utility of zoning requirements, the GIS represents a precious device for selling orderly growth, defending property values, and enhancing the standard of life throughout the county. The system’s effectiveness hinges on steady knowledge updates, stakeholder collaboration, and a dedication to leveraging spatial know-how for improved zoning administration.

6. Public Entry Portals

Public entry portals characterize a vital interface between Luzerne County’s geographic info system and its citizenry. These portals are designed to offer available spatial knowledge and mapping functions to the general public, fostering transparency and facilitating knowledgeable decision-making.

  • On-line Mapping Functions

    Public entry portals sometimes characteristic interactive mapping functions that enable customers to discover varied spatial datasets. These functions usually embrace instruments for zooming, panning, querying, and measuring distances and areas. Customers can overlay totally different layers of knowledge, similar to parcel boundaries, zoning districts, aerial imagery, and infrastructure knowledge, to achieve a complete understanding of the geographic context. For example, a resident may use the portal to find out the zoning designation of a property, find close by parks and colleges, or determine potential flood hazards.

  • Knowledge Obtain Providers

    Many public entry portals provide knowledge obtain companies, permitting customers to acquire spatial datasets in varied codecs to be used in their very own GIS software program or functions. This performance permits researchers, builders, and different stakeholders to conduct their very own spatial evaluation and create customized maps. Examples of downloadable datasets embrace parcel boundaries, road networks, handle factors, and environmental options. The provision of those datasets promotes knowledge sharing and collaboration throughout the neighborhood.

  • Interactive Reporting Instruments

    Some public entry portals incorporate interactive reporting instruments that enable customers to generate customized reviews primarily based on spatial knowledge. These instruments allow customers to question the database and extract particular info primarily based on user-defined standards. For instance, a person might generate a report itemizing all properties inside a selected zoning district or inside a sure distance of a water physique. These reporting instruments present a user-friendly solution to entry and summarize spatial knowledge.

  • Handle Search and Geocoding

    Public entry portals generally embrace handle search and geocoding performance. This permits customers to shortly find a selected handle on the map and procure details about the encompassing space. Geocoding permits customers to transform road addresses into geographic coordinates, facilitating the combination of location info into different functions. This performance is especially helpful for emergency responders, supply companies, and different organizations that depend on correct location knowledge.

The accessibility and performance of those public entry portals are important for maximizing the advantages of Luzerne County’s geographic info system. By offering residents with easy accessibility to spatial knowledge and mapping functions, the portals empower them to make knowledgeable selections about their property, their neighborhood, and the atmosphere. The effectiveness of those portals is determined by steady knowledge updates, user-friendly interfaces, and ongoing coaching and assist for customers.

7. Knowledge integration requirements

Knowledge integration requirements are paramount to the profitable operation and utility of Luzerne County’s geographic info system. These requirements dictate how disparate datasets are mixed, harmonized, and maintained throughout the GIS atmosphere, guaranteeing knowledge consistency, accuracy, and interoperability. The absence of strong requirements can result in knowledge silos, inconsistencies, and in the end, compromised decision-making capabilities.

  • Knowledge Schema Harmonization

    Knowledge schema harmonization entails establishing widespread knowledge fashions and attribute definitions throughout varied datasets. This ensures that knowledge from totally different sources might be readily built-in and analyzed with out requiring intensive knowledge transformation. For instance, a standardized schema for parcel knowledge would outline constant attribute names, knowledge sorts, and coding schemes for all properties throughout the county, whatever the originating supply. Lack of harmonization can result in errors in spatial evaluation and hinder the flexibility to match knowledge throughout totally different jurisdictions or departments.

  • Geospatial Knowledge Interoperability

    Geospatial knowledge interoperability focuses on enabling the seamless alternate of spatial knowledge between totally different GIS software program platforms and knowledge codecs. Adherence to open requirements, similar to these outlined by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), facilitates knowledge sharing and collaboration amongst totally different organizations and businesses. For instance, compliance with OGC’s Internet Map Service (WMS) normal permits customers to entry and show map knowledge from totally different servers inside a single GIS utility. Interoperability ensures that spatial knowledge might be readily accessed and utilized by a variety of stakeholders, no matter their software program preferences.

  • Knowledge High quality Assurance and Management

    Knowledge high quality assurance and management requirements outline procedures for verifying the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of spatial knowledge. These requirements usually contain implementing automated validation guidelines, conducting guide knowledge evaluations, and establishing knowledge replace protocols. For instance, an information high quality assurance normal may require common discipline verification of parcel boundaries to make sure that they align with authorized data. Strong knowledge high quality management measures are important for sustaining the integrity of the GIS and guaranteeing that customers can depend on the accuracy of the info.

  • Metadata Requirements and Documentation

    Metadata requirements specify how spatial datasets are documented, together with details about their supply, lineage, accuracy, and replace frequency. Complete metadata is crucial for understanding the traits and limitations of a dataset, permitting customers to evaluate its suitability for a selected utility. For instance, metadata for a digital elevation mannequin (DEM) ought to embrace details about its supply knowledge, decision, and vertical accuracy. Clear and complete metadata documentation promotes knowledge discoverability and facilitates knowledgeable knowledge utilization.

The profitable implementation of those knowledge integration requirements is essential for maximizing the worth of Luzerne County’s geographic info system. By guaranteeing knowledge consistency, accuracy, and interoperability, these requirements allow simpler decision-making, improved useful resource administration, and enhanced service supply to the general public. Continued funding in knowledge integration requirements and coaching shall be important for sustaining the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the GIS.

8. Future Growth Plans

Luzerne County’s geographic info system is just not a static entity; its evolution is intrinsically linked to the county’s future growth plans. The system’s capabilities should broaden and adapt to satisfy the evolving wants of a rising and altering neighborhood. Integration of future planning initiatives into the GIS framework is significant for knowledgeable decision-making and environment friendly useful resource allocation.

  • Integration of Good Metropolis Applied sciences

    Future growth plans incorporate the adoption of good metropolis applied sciences, similar to clever transportation methods, good grids, and sensor networks. These applied sciences generate huge quantities of spatial knowledge that should be built-in into the GIS for evaluation and administration. For instance, real-time site visitors knowledge from sensors can be utilized to optimize site visitors movement, cut back congestion, and enhance emergency response occasions. Integration of good metropolis knowledge enhances the GIS’s means to assist evidence-based decision-making and enhance the standard of life for residents.

  • Growth of 3D Modeling and Visualization

    Future growth plans emphasize using 3D modeling and visualization instruments to enhance planning and design processes. 3D fashions can be utilized to simulate the influence of proposed growth tasks on the encompassing atmosphere, permitting stakeholders to visualise potential impacts and determine potential mitigation measures. For example, 3D fashions can be utilized to evaluate the visible influence of latest buildings, analyze shadow patterns, and consider the potential for elevated site visitors congestion. The enlargement of 3D capabilities throughout the GIS permits extra knowledgeable and collaborative planning processes.

  • Enhancement of Public Engagement and Citizen Participation

    Future growth plans prioritize enhanced public engagement and citizen participation in planning processes. The GIS can be utilized to create interactive on-line instruments that enable residents to discover proposed growth plans, present suggestions, and take part in on-line discussions. For instance, an interactive mapping utility might enable residents to touch upon proposed zoning adjustments, counsel different land use designations, or determine areas of concern. Elevated public engagement fosters larger transparency and accountability in planning processes.

  • Growth of Predictive Analytics and State of affairs Planning

    Future growth plans will more and more depend on predictive analytics and state of affairs planning instruments to anticipate future tendencies and inform coverage selections. The GIS can be utilized to mannequin future development patterns, analyze the influence of various coverage situations, and determine potential dangers and alternatives. For example, predictive analytics can be utilized to forecast future inhabitants development, estimate the demand for housing and transportation, and assess the vulnerability of various areas to local weather change. State of affairs planning permits decision-makers to judge the potential penalties of various coverage decisions and develop methods for mitigating dangers and maximizing alternatives.

These interconnected parts spotlight the important function of Luzerne County’s geographic info system in shaping its future. By embracing technological developments and prioritizing public engagement, the GIS can contribute considerably to sustainable development and a extra resilient neighborhood. Ongoing funding in GIS infrastructure and experience is crucial for realizing these future growth plans.

Steadily Requested Questions

The next questions and solutions handle widespread inquiries relating to the implementation and utilization of geographic info methods inside Luzerne County.

Query 1: What’s the objective of geographic info system mapping in Luzerne County?

The geographic info system serves as a central repository and analytical device for spatial knowledge. Its objective is to facilitate knowledgeable decision-making throughout varied county departments, together with planning, emergency companies, property evaluation, and environmental administration. It permits visualization, evaluation, and administration of geographically referenced info.

Query 2: How correct is the info throughout the Luzerne County geographic info system?

Knowledge accuracy is a steady precedence. Efforts are made to take care of knowledge high quality by way of common updates, discipline verification, and adherence to established knowledge requirements. Nevertheless, customers ought to acknowledge that inherent limitations exist in any geographic dataset, and knowledge needs to be verified independently for important functions.

Query 3: Who’s chargeable for sustaining the Luzerne County geographic info system?

The upkeep and administration of the geographic info system sometimes fall below the purview of a delegated division throughout the county authorities. Particular tasks might embrace knowledge acquisition, knowledge processing, system upkeep, and person assist.

Query 4: How regularly is the Luzerne County geographic info system up to date?

Knowledge replace frequency varies relying on the dataset. Essential datasets, similar to parcel info and street networks, are sometimes up to date extra regularly than much less dynamic datasets. Replace schedules are contingent on accessible assets and the precedence of the info.

Query 5: Is the Luzerne County geographic info system knowledge accessible to the general public?

Entry to geographic info system knowledge is usually supplied by way of a public-facing internet portal. The extent of accessible knowledge and performance varies, however sometimes consists of on-line mapping functions, knowledge obtain choices, and interactive reporting instruments. Entry insurance policies are topic to alter and could also be ruled by authorized and privateness concerns.

Query 6: How can discrepancies in Luzerne County geographic info system knowledge be reported?

Procedures for reporting knowledge discrepancies are sometimes outlined on the county’s GIS web site or throughout the public entry portal. Contact info for the accountable division is often supplied to facilitate communication and knowledge correction.

The geographic info system is a precious useful resource for Luzerne County. Understanding its capabilities and limitations is crucial for accountable and efficient utilization.

The next sections delve into particular case research of the system’s utility throughout the county.

Ideas for Efficient Luzerne County GIS Mapping Utilization

Optimizing the appliance of geographic info methods inside Luzerne County requires a strategic and knowledgeable method. The next ideas provide steerage on leveraging the system for max profit.

Tip 1: Prioritize Knowledge Accuracy Verification: Implement a rigorous course of for verifying the accuracy of spatial knowledge previous to its use in important decision-making. Cross-reference GIS knowledge with official data, similar to deeds and survey plats, to determine and proper any discrepancies. Reliance on unverified knowledge can result in flawed analyses and inaccurate conclusions.

Tip 2: Spend money on Ongoing GIS Coaching: Be sure that personnel chargeable for utilizing and sustaining the system obtain satisfactory coaching on GIS rules, software program functions, and knowledge administration greatest practices. Effectively-trained workers are important for maximizing the system’s capabilities and avoiding errors.

Tip 3: Develop Standardized Knowledge Integration Protocols: Set up clear protocols for integrating knowledge from totally different sources into the GIS. These protocols ought to handle knowledge schema harmonization, coordinate system transformations, and knowledge high quality management procedures. Standardized knowledge integration is crucial for guaranteeing knowledge consistency and interoperability.

Tip 4: Make the most of the GIS for Proactive Infrastructure Administration: Leverage the system to trace the situation, situation, and upkeep historical past of infrastructure belongings. This permits for proactive upkeep planning, optimized useful resource allocation, and diminished danger of infrastructure failures.

Tip 5: Promote Public Entry and Transparency: Improve public entry to GIS knowledge by way of user-friendly on-line portals. This fosters transparency, empowers residents to make knowledgeable selections, and encourages neighborhood participation in native planning processes. Guarantee compliance with privateness laws and knowledge safety protocols.

Tip 6: Combine GIS into Emergency Response Planning: Make the most of the system to develop detailed emergency response plans, together with evacuation routes, useful resource allocation methods, and hazard mitigation measures. Actual-time GIS knowledge might be invaluable throughout emergencies, enabling responders to make knowledgeable selections and coordinate efforts successfully.

Tip 7: Usually Consider and Replace the GIS: Conduct periodic evaluations of the system’s efficiency, performance, and knowledge accuracy. Use these evaluations to determine areas for enchancment and to prioritize upgrades and enhancements. The GIS ought to evolve to satisfy the altering wants of the county.

The following pointers intention to facilitate simpler and accountable utilization of the GIS. Adherence to those pointers promotes knowledgeable decision-making, environment friendly useful resource allocation, and enhanced public service.

The next sections summarize key insights and provide concluding ideas on the appliance of this mapping know-how.

Conclusion

This exploration of Luzerne County GIS mapping highlights the system’s multifaceted function in governance, planning, and public service. The system’s implementation impacts areas from emergency response and infrastructure administration to environmental evaluation and zoning enforcement. The long-term effectiveness of this method hinges on knowledge accuracy, adherence to established requirements, and steady adaptation to evolving neighborhood wants.

Sustained funding on this know-how stays essential for knowledgeable decision-making and optimized useful resource allocation throughout the county. A dedication to knowledge integrity, person coaching, and public accessibility will make sure that this method continues to function an important device for shaping a extra resilient and sustainable future for Luzerne County.