Connellsville to pay for five projects with CDBG funding
CONNELLSVILLE – Official action will be taken tonight by city council to fund five projects with its 2003 state community development allocation. The officials finalized the project list during a special meeting Monday with Ralph Wombacker, executive director of the redevelopment authority and will include continued financial support to the city’s volunteer fire company, funding assistance to the library, appropriations to upgrade city infrastructure and initial financing for the purchase of safety equipment.
Wombacker said the city is slated to receive $425.217 through the state Community Development Block Grant program with approximately $346,000 being eligible for project spending.
The New Haven Hose Volunteer Fire Co. will receive $75,000 for its purchase of a Quint pumper/aerial truck.
The city entered into an agreement with the fire company several years ago to assist in the purchase of the $380,000 truck that New Haven expects to receive within the next few weeks.
Initially the funding had been set at $50,000, but council moved to earmark the additional amount after excluding financing through the city budget for the company.
A $70,000 amount will be set aside for the city’s paid department for its future purchase of fire equipment.
Public health and safety director John Whalen had earlier requested the city to also purchase a Quint apparatus for the department, but said Monday, a final decision has not been made as to the specific piece of equipment the city will opt to purchase.
Council agreed to add the allocation to a similar amount next year before determining the type of equipment.
The city will also complete the third and final phase of a storm sewerage project that began several years ago along Arch Street through the 2003 state funding.
According to Dick Widmer, vice-president of Widmer Engineering Inc., the project will extend from Carnegie Avenue to Prospect Street. The cost is estimated at $105,000.
Funding will also be designated to the Carnegie Free Library to install a power source to operate an elevator the board of trustees plans to install.
Additional funding will be earmarked for the upgrading of the stonewall at Cameron Court. Each project will be earmarked $30,000 for the completion.
Although the Connellsville Community Center was slated to receive $39,000 to begin the renovation of its auditorium, council instead determined to set aside the funding for the continuation of a lighting project along West Crawford Avenue.
Last year $86,000 was earmarked for decorative lighting from Brimstone Corner at the intersection of Crawford Avenue and Pittsburgh Street to First Street.
“This is something we need to pursue and complete,” said Councilwoman Chris Wagner of the lighting project.
“While I believe the Community Center project is very worthwhile, I also feel we need to focus on the revitalization of the downtown area.”
The application for the state funding must be filed by April 4.