A new solarium at Pittston Area High School will be used to develop and improve the area's distinctive tomato and allow it thrive in colder weather.

The lawmaker was guest speaker at the recent groundbreaking ceremony for the solarium. Musto said numerous people were involved in the project, including educators, the agricultural community, environmental organizations, business leaders, private citizens and public officials. He also commended the school board and administrators at Pittston Area.

Musto said he was proud to have a part in securing the funding for this project. "It will benefit a wide spectrum of the community, but especially our school children who will have this tomato research incorporated into their science curriculum," he said.

"Because of this cooperation, we were able to bring everyone together to achieve this common goal," the legislator said. "but this is more than research -- It'll be a learning discovery for soil and environmental conditions for the development of an even better tomato."

Teachers and students will be directly involved. Students will have a hands-on experience in this research. This will be a boost to the entire region.