Published: March 22, 2008 10:31 pm      

Communities receive Cambria County block grants

EBENSBURG — More than 40 communities with projects totaling in excess of $5 million have lined up for a chunk of Cambria County’s $330,000 federal Community Development Block Grant funds.

Cambria County Redevelopment Authority sifted through requests and will recommend Cambria County commissioners grant funding for improvements in Franklin, Northern Cambria, Washington Township and the Gallitzin area.

Some of this year’s grants will continue sewer and water projects under way, authority Executive Director Larry Custer said.

The largest grant of $100,000 will go to Franklin Borough to help reconstruct, replace and repair 64 sanitary sewer manholes and repair piping. The work is designed to reduce storm water from entering the sanitary sewers under a state Department of Environmental Protection order to address pollution issues, Custer said.

Total cost of the Franklin project hasn’t been determined, but the DEP order increases its priority, authority member Ron Johnson said.

“I think that’s something that brings this right to the top,” he said.

The federal CDBG funds must benefit low- to moderate-income residents.

More than 56 percent of Franklin residents are low to moderate income.

Replacement of a 2,500-foot water line in Washington Township will get $80,000 toward 12 service connections in an area where 60 percent of the residents meet income guidelines.

The new money, along with $76,000 from last year’s grant for the Lilly Coal Water Authority system should complete the project, Custer said.

Extension of sanitary sewer lines in the boroughs of Gallitzin and Tunnelhill will get another $40,000. Work will include 1,800 feet of 8-inch line, six manholes and six service connections, including Emerald Estates apartments for seniors.

Engineering for interconnection of the Watkins Area Water Authority with Spangler Municipal Water Authority in Barr and West Carroll townships will receive $20,000.

The remaining $92,000 will be targeted for demolition and site clearance to eliminate blight in the county, Custer said.

In addition to the county’s allocation, Adams, Cambria, Cresson and Jackson townships will receive grants, based on their percentage of income-qualified residents.

In Adams Township, the $127,306 will help replace open ditches in the Sidman area with covered storm sewers.

Cambria Township will get $125,262 to reconstruct a Colver water line. Cresson Township will use $98,266 to remove storage tanks from township property at the former Mr. Gas business on Admiral Peary Highway. Jackson Township with use $108,622 to extend a water line in the Chickaree Hill Road area.

Johnstown will get about $1.8 million for various projects, and Northern Cambria Borough also will receive some funds.