HARRISBURG – A critical flood control project will receive a needed financial boost through Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), according to state Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23).
Yaw said that the $1 million RACP grant will be used to rehabilitate and recertify the levee that protects Williamsport and its surrounding municipalities.
“It is critical that we take the needed steps to prevent future flood damage and ensure our local governments receive vital funding for infrastructure repairs and improvements,” Yaw said. “I am pleased to announce that this $1 million grant will begin the process to rehabilitate the existing levee protecting Williamsport, South Williamsport and portions of Old Lycoming and Loyalsock townships.”
Yaw explained that the $1 million RACP grant will be used to replace and repair several relief wells, which help to stabilize the structure over the long-term by containing water. The repairs are part of a larger rehabilitation project that will also enhance and raise the levee wall to bring the levee into compliance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
According to local estimates, the levee protects approximately $2 billion in real estate in the region. Without FEMA certification and compliance, residents and businesses protected by the levee, would need to purchase flood insurance.
“A few more funding hurdles need to be jumped to complete the overall project,” Yaw added. “This RACP grant will certainly give it a needed boost.”
“The number one priority, from a public safety and economic development standpoint in Lycoming County is the levee system that surrounds the largest concentration of homes, businesses, industry, and colleges in our area,” according to Fran McJunkin, Deputy Director for Lycoming County Planning and Community Development. “This grant starts the process. It helps us complete the most pressing repair, our relief wells, and sets us up to leverage funds to ensure that our levee will protect us for the next 60 years.”
RACP is a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.
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CONTACT:
Rita Zielonis, Chief of Staff
(717) 787-3280