SEDA-COG’s Community Development Program recently helped communities in Clinton, Northumberland, Centre, and Juniata Counties receive Community Block Grant Development (CDBG) competitive and Community Development Block Grant-CARES Act (CDBG-CV) funding. The awarded funds will go towards updating existing water and/or sewer systems to help improve the quality of life for residents.
“This funding will help residents receive access to drinkable water, improved services, and help protect public health and safety. Most of us take systems like these for granted, and the better quality of life these residents will have as a result of these improvement projects can’t be overstated,” said Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf in a press release.
The boroughs of South Renovo and Renovo in Clinton County are receiving $1,019,386 to complete a freshwater infrastructure system, benefiting 302 customers. The water infrastructure in both boroughs was installed in the early 1900s, and the entire 1,670-foot waterline under Pine Street from the eastern side of 4th Street will be replaced. Upon completion, South Renovo borough will consolidate the water system with Renovo Borough, which will allow residents of South Renovo Borough to have lower user rates.
$1,518,812 will be going to updates on the water system in Herndon Borough/Jackson Township, Northumberland County. The current water treatment system consists of four wells, a collection basin, reservoir, water treatment facilities, 9,400 lineal feet of cast-iron water main along Route 147, and approximately 1,400 lineal feet of water distribution piping. The cast iron main line that runs from the reservoir and the main water line were part of the original water treatment system constructed in the late 1930s. The main water line will also likely not withstand right-of-way road construction that is slated for 2024. Upgrades will help the system’s 213 users, who have experienced disruptions due to breaks in the aged water lines.
Water system improvements to the Haines Aaronsburg Municipal Authority (HAMA) in Centre County are receiving $1,148,650. The funds will be used to install the raw water transmission main from Well No. 8 to the water treatment plant and to replace the old above-ground cast iron finished water transmission main from the plant to the distribution system. This phase will also replace and relocate the existing Henry Street pressure relief valve.
The Village of McAlisterville in Juniata County will receive $1,000,000 to drill and construct new wells and a water storage tank. Currently, the village is using a water system that gets a significant portion of its potable water from two springs fed by a nearby water source and the distribution lines from those springs were hand-laid in the early 1900s. The new storage tank will hold an estimated 150,000 gallons of water, giving McAlisterville and the system’s 501 users an adequate, emergency water supply. The completed additions to the water system will be located on the ridge above Dunn Valley Road.
“We are immensely proud of the hard work done by the counties and by the Community Development staff here at SEDA-COG. To receive one CDBG competitive grant in a year is an accomplishment, but to receive 4 is a major win for the residents of Renovo, South Renovo, Herndon Borough, Jackson Township, Aaronsburg, and McAlisterville. Special thanks go to Kristin McLaughlin, Linda Sterling, Mitzi Gallagher-Long, and Heather Weisen for the phenomenal partnerships they’ve built with our counties and communities. I would also like to thank all of the legislators and county commissioners for their help, they were integral to each project’s success,” said Tyler Dombroski, Director of the SEDA-COG Community Development Program.
According to Gov. Wolf’s press release, “CDBG funds enable communities to effectively address local community development needs by providing federal funds to develop viable communities through the provision of modest housing and a suitable living environment. Funds are also used to expand economic opportunities geared to low-and moderate-income individuals and to improve infrastructure critical to community health and welfare.”
As a community and economic development agency, SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives. SEDA-COG also is an advocate for the interests of its communities at the state and federal levels. For more information, visit www.seda-cog.org.