Commissioners OK block grant requests
BY MICHAEL J. RUDOLF
Wyoming County Press Examiner
TUNKHANNOCK - The Wyoming County Commissioners on Tuesday approved all but one of this year's requests for Community Development Block Grant funding.
At the second of two public hearings, John Jennings, executive director of the Wyoming County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, noted that there were a total of $300,692 in requests, and just $258,571 is available from the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
The request amount includes administrative expenses, Jennings said.
To meet the available funds, the commissioners decided to exclude a request from Noxen Township for $75,150 to do storm drain work in the Hill Street neighborhood.
Jennings said although the project may technically be eligible, there are other funding methods available to the township for such work. He also was concerned that approving Noxen's request could set a precedent for similar projects from all over the county in the future.
"Not to diminish your problem, but I don't know if this is the proper vehicle to solve it," Jennings told Noxen officials at the hearing.
Commissioner Tony Litwin said that if the county had enough CDBG money available, it wouldn't be an issue. He suggested Noxen look at other grant programs, such as the Growing Greener II program available through the Wyoming County Conservation District.
Noxen roadmaster Gary Patton and secretary Wendy Hettes said they would pursue that course.
Grants that were approved by the commissioners included $31,000 to Factoryville Borough for the first phase of improvements to stormwater management at the borough's maintenance yard. The facility is actually in Clinton Township, but it is owned by Factoryville.
According to Liz Ratchford, the borough's administrative coordinator, the improvements are mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency because Factoryville has a population density greater than 1,000 people per square mile, the only municipality in the county that high.
Also approved was $39,000 for Meshoppen Borough and the Meshoppen Fire Company to extend a water line to the fire company's building, and add a hydrant.
Mehoopany Township will get $19,000 to make the sidewalk at its municipal building compliant with the Americans with Disabililties Act.
And Interfaith Friends requested $30,000 to continue funding its dental program for low- to moderate-income families.
With the elimination of Noxen's request, more money is available for the county housing authority to provide housing rehabilitation for low- to moderate-income families. That program will get $93,029 this year from CDBG funds.
