HARRISBURG – State Senator Gene Yaw (R-23) today announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has approved $1.5 million in Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding for Bradford and Lycoming counties.
Of the $1.5 million, Bradford County has requested and will receive $500,000 for the Gateway Commons Project in Athens Township. The project is for the new construction of 11 two story townhomes, consisting of 40 one, two, and three bedroom units for general occupancy.
Lycoming County has requested and will receive $1 million for rehabilitation and mitigation in Loyalsock Township ($500,000) and Muncy Borough ($500,000).
“I am pleased with the funding announced by DCED and thankful that it will be directed in the 23rd District, Sen. Yaw said. “These funds come at a critical time as more investment is needed to improve and repair our communities still recovering from the devastating flooding in 2011. Responding to disasters like Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee requires not only an individual to recover, but an entire town, county and state that is committed to making them more resilient. I commend both counties for seeing the need to apply for this funding.”
”This funding will allow us to move forward and break ground within sixty days,” said Dennis Phelps, Executive Director of TREHAB. “This affordable housing development also includes PHARE funding, and we are very appreciative of the CDBG funding as well. Without it, Gateway Commons would not be feasible.
“This funding is a direct result of damage due to the Lee flood and the area that was selected was determined by certain income parameters,” said Fran McJunkin, CFM, Deputy Director for GIS and Assessment at the Lycoming County Planning and Community Development Office. “It is part of our larger Hazard Mitigation and Resilience Initiative, which includes the funding from PHARE, as well as other FEMA programs. We’re beginning to take applications from property owners and we will release information as it becomes available. We appreciate all the support.”
Provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) CDBG Program, the funding is meant to support long-term disaster recovery efforts in local communities devastated by recent disasters.
CDBG Disaster Recovery funds can be used to confront unmet housing needs and for economic development, infrastructure and prevention of further damage to affected areas. Specific examples include: rehabilitation of homes and buildings damaged by the disaster; buying, constructing, or rehabilitating public facilities such as streets, neighborhood centers, and water, sewer and drainage systems and helping businesses retain or create jobs in disaster impacted areas.
CONTACT:
Rita Zielonis, Chief of Staff
(717) 787-3280