Zoschg, Rowe appointed
'Stakeholders' decide how railroad fine $$$ will be used
By James Moate Endeavor News

Two more members have been appointed to a stakeholders' group that will help decide how to spend what could be millions of dollars for environmental improvement projects in Cameron County.

The Cameron County Commissioners appointed conservationist and outdoor writer Jim Zoschg Jr. and Ken Rowe to a nine-member board that will decide how to spend a portion of the fine Norfolk Southern Railroad will pay as penalty for its June 2006 train derailment and lye spill.

That group was formed to identify projects to improve stream habitat, reduce erosion and overheating through streamside tree-planting and address acid mine drainage problems in the Driftwood Branch of Sinnemahoning Creek.

In other business, the commissioners acknowledged a letter of thanks from the Pa. Lumber Heritage Region for allowing that organization's office to be located at the courthouse.

"As the Pa. Wilds region and the Lumber Heritage Region grow, I only see good things for Emporium," Commissioner Tony Moscato commented.

The commissioners announced that Micron Research Corp. has applied for an air quality permit from the Pa. Dept. of Environmental Protection, in accordance with the 1990 Clean Air Act.

A $3,500 agreement was approved with Susquehanna Group Advisors to assess the county's 2008 budget. This is part of the Early Intervention Program and will consist of an analysis of the county's finances by Jeff Weis.

Also approved was a threeyear contract with Election Services and Software for ballot layout, coding and voice file services from 2008 until 2010.