Driftwood project gets support
CDBG funds earmarked for water facility

Cameron County Commissioners last week applied for a $305,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to help fund rehabilitation and expansion of the Driftwood Water Treatment Facility.

It would match a $40,000 CDBG allotment already made. That money had originally been targeted by the commissioners for work on the borough building and senior center in Driftwood.

Improvements would benefit residents of the Driftwood Borough and Gibson Township. Outdated equipment at the plant has prompted state officials to order remedies.

Fiscal restraints resulted in construction compromises when it was built in 1999. Additionally, a storm in 2004 caused excessive damage to the Nanny Run Reservoir, the location of the treatment plant, as gravel and debris clogged filters used for slow sand filtration.

Despite borough efforts earlier this year to repair major leaks, much work is still needed. Driftwood also must relocate a water main across the Driftwood Branch of Sinnemahoning Creek where the Rt. 555 bridge is being replaced.

CDBG funds come from the federal government to counties, which can decide allotments based on economic development needs and related factors.

In other business last week, Mark Johnson and Paul Lyon were reappointed to the Cameron County Conservation District Board of Directors for another four-year term. Rebecca Pasquinelli and Al Barry will serve three more years on the Cameron County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) Board of Directors, retroactive to Oct. 1.

A resolution authorizing the lease-back agreement of the Memorial Hall Recreation Center was approved by the commissioners. IDA is paying the county $565,000, with the county making monthly lease payments.

Area Transportation Authority of Northwest Pennsylvania was designated to continue providing Medical Assistance transportation to Cameron County residents. Northern Tier Comunity Action Corp. will continue to administer the Emergency Food Assistance Program.