SMETHPORT — Commissioners took steps Tuesday to ensure McKean County receives its full complement of Community Development Block Grant funds for 2024.
During their regular meeting at the McKean County Courthouse, commissioners authorized the submission of the application to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. As part of that process, the approval of multiple other resolutions was needed to ensure all required documentation was submitted along with the county’s application. Examples include the grantee’s statement of goals and disclosure report as well as fair housing and anti-discrimination policies.
According to the DCED website, dced.pa.gov, block grant funds “strengthen Pennsylvania communities by assisting with housing improvements, building suitable living environments, expanding economic opportunities … and improving critical community health and welfare infrastructure.”
The annual funding is designated to Pennsylvania municipalities in rural and non-metro areas through the formula-based program for housing rehabilitation, public services, community facilities, infrastructure improvements — such as water and sewer — streets and sidewalks, economic development and planning.
In associated matters, commissioners approved a CDBG subrecipient agreement with the McKean County Redevelopment Authority and a cooperation agreement with Bradford Township for the program’s administration.
They also voted to approve a resolution on behalf of Bradford Township for $73,595 toward housing rehabilitation and $10,000 for spot demolition as well as $15,000 for ADA sidewalks and crosswalks in Kane Borough, $168,110 for the McKean County-wide Homeowner Housing Rehabilitation Program and $10,000 for McKean County spot demolition.
Commissioners also approved county liquid fuel funds assistance for Foster Township, totaling $9,168.05; Hamilton Township, $1,633.56; Lewis Run Borough, $1,069.88; and Norwich Township, $2,296.72; and an American Rescue Plan Act allocation of $16,415.40 to Port Allegany Borough for an infrastructure/blight remediation project.
They voted affirmatively on grant applications by Children’s Advocacy Center for $47,000, a victim witness coordinator grant of $33,426 and Juvenile Probation for $9,286 to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
An approved resolution adopted an amendment to the articles of incorporation for the Area Transportation Authority (ATA) of North Central Pennsylvania extended its “term of existence” for a period of 50 years and the county’s Zoom contract was renewed for $2,495, effective until Dec. 31, 2025.
Department of Human Services (DHS) agreements were renewed with three foster care providers as well as CARE Unlimited, for intellectual disabilities services; Community Services of Venango County Inc., surveys; Office of Human Services Area Agency on Aging, domiciliary care; and SafeinHome, remote services/assistive technology.
Children and Youth Services (CYS) renewed agreements with Adelphoi Village, Community Specialists Corp., Concern Professional, Diakon, Merakey and The Summit Academy.
