Four Centre County projects that had been in standstill because of a lack of funding are ready to begin, thanks to an influx of more than $2 million from the federal government.
Almost one year after members of the Centre County Board of Commissioners traveled to Washington, D.C., to urge legislators to fund a variety of programs, Centre County now has the grants to begin "necessary" projects -- some of which had been waiting almost 30 years.
Renovating Centre County's emergency responder system, road remodeling Fraser Street, upgrading the Philipsburg sewer system and creating a mobile dental program are all on the list to receive portions of the $2.3 million grant, which is funded through the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act.
"These four projects have been on the priority list for a number of years," Centre County Board of Commissioners chairman Jon Eich said. "[They] will be appreciated and welcomed by the community and have a definite impact."
That said, the current grants are only the beginning. Some of the projects, such as the upgrade to the emergency responder system, would still need additional funding before they are completed.
Because of this, Eich and members of the Board of Commissioners paid another visit to legislators in Washington early this year. In addition to the emergency responder system, they also requested funding for safety improvements along U.S. Route 322, money to create a pipe system to connect area water supplies and funding for the development of green programs at the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology.
Despite receiving the funds requested last year, Eich is still hesitant to speculate about the possibility of getting them again.
He said that under the current administration, there are several changes currently being made to the process of receiving funding from the federal government -- and the economic downturn has added increased pressure.
"The capitol is just jammed with people looking for assistance," Eich said.
