Governor Rendell Says New, Past Investments in Flood Control Projects Making More PA Communities, Citizens Safe

Announces Nearly $500,000 in Flood Protection Grants to Benefit 19 Communities

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today stressed the importance of protecting communities and citizens from flooding threats -- and especially since Pennsylvania is among the most flood-prone states -- as he announced the latest round of flood protection grants for projects in 15 counties.

The Governor said this latest investment totaling $477,934 builds on the commonwealth's commitment to improve and reinforce Pennsylvania's flood-control measures and water infrastructure.  

"We regularly see the devastating effects floods can have on our communities. When floodwaters rise, they can destroy homes and businesses, creating incredible hardships for people that disrupt their lives," said Governor Rendell. "That's why it's so important that we invest our resources to help communities protect against this threat.

"The funds we're announcing today will do just that. Whether it's purchasing new equipment that help municipalities maintain their existing flood-protection measures, making structural improvements, or developing the plans to make sure communities and residents are prepared, these grants—and others we've made in the past eight years—are an important investment in public safety."

Since 2003, the Rendell administration has made improving the state's flood-related infrastructure a priority by making critically needed flood control and prevention investments in 60 Pennsylvania counties. All told, the commonwealth has invested almost $200 million in more than 600 projects that have been completed or will be finished within the next few years. Projects include maintaining and rehabilitating existing projects, building new flood protection or stream improvement measures, and removing dams that contribute to flooding or pose a safety risk.

To review the Department of Environmental Protection's investments through the flood protection grant program, and Growing Greener II dam safety and watershed protection programs, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us and click on "Grants and Loans," then on "DEP Grant and Loan Programs."

The state's total financial support for communities battling floods includes $14 million for seven flood control projects through the H20 PA program, which Governor Rendell signed in 2008. The $800 million H20 PA package dedicated $85 million to flood-prevention measures. To see the list of grant recipients through the program, visit www.dced.state.pa.us/investmenttracker.

Flood protection grants like those announced today are awarded annually to municipal and county governments that sponsor existing projects authorized by DEP, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service. The grants allow communities to ensure flood protection projects are properly maintained and function as designed during high-water events. Grants reimburse sponsors up to 65 percent for project improvements and non-routine maintenance, and up to 50 percent of the costs to purchase specialized equipment for monitoring, operating and maintaining the project.

The maximum grant award for project improvements and non-routine maintenance is $65,000, and the maximum for specialized equipment is $50,000. Grant amounts are based upon expected benefits of the project in terms of improving emergency response and extending the life and functionality of the infrastructure.

For more information, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us.

Editor's Note: The following is a list, by county, of flood protection grants announced today:

Allegheny

Turtle Creek Borough - $4,250 to purchase specialized equipment (mower and trailer).

Bedford

Borough of Everett - $41,749 to remove trees, stumps, and brush; dispose of debris; grade, seed and mulch as needed; spray stumps not able to remove.

Hyndman Borough - $9,957 to develop the emergency action plan for the Hyndman flood protection project, purchase safety equipment and train flood fighters from the community.

Hyndman Borough - $6,475 to install concrete boundary markers and signs to prevent inappropriate use of the levee area.

Hyndman Borough - $61,815 to remove rock and gravel.

Hyndman Borough - $32,754 to purchase tractor and a boom mower.

Cambria

Johnstown Redevelopment Authority - $4,362 to update emergency action plans for the six non-federal flood control projects.

Johnstown Redevelopment Authority - $5,440 for modifications to Solomon Run flood protection project access ramp.

Patton Borough - $6,467 to remove trees and vegetation from the dam.

Patton Borough - $50,000 to purchase tractor and a boom mower.

Patton Borough - $37,310 to install low flow channels and fish habitat devices.

Portage Borough - $16,250 to conduct stabilization project of the Gillespie Avenue Bridge wingwalls.

Centre

Milesburg Borough - $16,068 to purchase a compact excavator.

Huntingdon

Smithfield Township - $11,000 to purchase equipment needed to implement the Township's emergency action plans.

Lackawanna

Moosic Borough - $23,234 to create mapping that depicts the levee's alignment, rights-of-way, and encroachments; to install boundary monuments and signage.

Moosic Borough - $3,250 to spray Japanese Knotweed.

Moosic Borough - $26,461 to remove sediment from the flood protection project channel.

City of Scranton - $3,128 to repair concrete at five locations on the South Scranton flood protection project, and purchase equipment (3 mowers and 4 trimmers).

Luzerne

Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority - $8,625 to purchase a new Turf Maker 550 Hydroseeder.

Lycoming

City of Williamsport - $15,365 to purchase new slope mower.

McKean

Bradford District Flood Control Authority - $29,172 for gravel bar removal, slope restoration, sediment removal, concrete repair, foundation repair, sealing concrete slope walls, and tree removal.

Monroe

East Stroudsburg Borough - $9,854 to purchase new diesel tractor with mowing attachment.

Northumberland

Sunbury Municipal Authority - $2,163 to purchase four portable generators.

Sunbury Municipal Authority - $6,577 to purchase a 4x4 lightweight utility vehicle.

Potter

Genesee Township - $1,000 to purchase 100-gallon skid sprayer.

Tioga

Lawrenceville Borough - $24,608 to cut trees, shrubs and vegetation on the levees, spray vegetation and eliminate animal burrows.

Warren

City of Warren - $14,524 to remove vegetation, trees and brush and cut stumps to ground level for Indian Hollow Run flood protection project; remove vegetation, unwanted growth, and steps and railings from the levee's land side at the Glade Run FPP and spray Japanese Knotweed.

Westmoreland

City of Greensburg - $6,071 for concrete improvements.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor