HARRISBURG – Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41), Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-62) and Rep. Brian Smith (R-66) have announced $2,500,000 in state funding is being awarded for flood rehabilitation and water projects in Indiana County.
Flooding to areas of Clymer from severe storms last year left devastation throughout the community. In an effort to help alleviate pressure from the costs of restoring areas damaged by the flooding, state funding has been approved through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Flood Mitigation Program. Clymer Borough is receiving $300,000 for stream bank clean-up, Clymer Volunteer Fire Department is receiving $100,000 for repairs to the fire hall, and Clymer Little League is receiving $100,000 for repairs to their ball fields.
“I offer my sincere thanks to the many local officials, volunteers and residents who have done a tremendous job working together to rebuild and restore this area after the heavy rains and flooding last year,” Sen. Pittman said. “I’m pleased to join with my colleagues to announce these grants, which will go a long way to help address the substantial costs associated with recovery efforts. Returning this area to its former state as a hub for recreational opportunities and Fire/EMS services will have a lasting impact upon the region.”
“Indiana County’s resilience has been tested by floods and water issues this past year, yet we have proven to be stronger than ever,” Rep. Struzzi said. “These state grants will help offset the cost to rebuild necessary infrastructure in our community, which is how our state government should work. I’m proud to support these grants, but even more proud of how our community rallies together in times of crisis.”
In addition to the grants approved for Clymer projects, a $2,000,000 check for grant funding from the DCED Keystone Communities Program was officially presented to the Indiana County Municipal Services Authority for the ‘Barr Slope Emergency Waterline Extension Project’ in Green Township. The determination was made that the Barr Slope wells are no longer producing adequate water for the system demand to residents of Barr Slope. The emergency contract was awarded to Pollard Land Services, and waterline construction began in January.
“Residents of the Barr Slope area suffered massive inconveniences while several Volunteer Fire Departments stepped forward to keep the system operating,” Sen. Pittman said. “This funding will go a long way to help provide reliable service within the region.”
“After months and months of inconvenience, I’m so glad the people of Barr Slope will once again have access to a reliable source of water,” Rep. Smith said. “It’s hard to live life to its fullest when you’re worried about one of our most basic needs. I hope this system restores some peace of mind that residents haven’t enjoyed for a long time.”
PHOTO LINK: Photos of Check Presentations in Clymer & Barr Slope
VIDEO LINK: Clymer Funding Announcements
Media Contacts:
Kate Eckhart Flessner (Sen. Pittman)
Charlie O’Neill (Rep. Struzzi)
Jake Gillespie (Rep. Smith)