GT supports JC

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McALISTERVILLE - Constituents had a chance to speak with Rep. Glenn "GT" Thompson, R-Pa., who was busy Monday touring Fayette Township.

Thompson visited Fayette Elementary School, Sonbeam Early Learning Center in McAlisterville and the Fayette Area Lions Den where he had the opportunity to speak informally with the Juniata County Commissioners.

Commissioner Teresa O'Neal said even though Thompson's 5th Congressional District only covers Fayette Township in Juniata County, it still meant an awful lot to people in Juniata County that he came for the visit.

Commissioners discussed some future projects that are critical for the county; however, finding available funding is not been the easiest process.

Among the future projects the commissioners spoke about is the need for a new communications tower and upgrades to communications equipment for emergency services.

"I see that as the next critical project for Juniata County," O'Neal said of the communications tower.

Thompson responded, "If I can offer a letter of support, I would be honored to do so."

Commissioner Chairman Jeffrey Zimmerman said the board has had some success in working with Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pa., but they also would appreciate any advice Thompson has in tracking down potential funding for these projects.

"I would never claim that I can solve a problem for you, but I will work with you to see what resources and existing programs are available that may be able to help," Thompson said.

Thompson said although he feels that there are portions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that he does not agree with, there is one agency he feels has done an exceptional job in allocating low interest loans and grants with stimulus money - the United States Department of Agriculture.

"It seems like they have some flexibility in how to use those funds," Thompson said of the USDA's Rural Economic Development program.

As far as the communications upgrades for emergency services, Thompson said individual emergency providers can apply for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or they can ban together and apply, but the commissioners would not be able to apply for grant money for them.

"The timing is right to apply, resources are opening up," Thompson said, referring to the recent television switch from analog signals, which opened new wave lengths for emergency services providers to use for communicating.

Commissioners also discussed some issues they have been hearing from constituents.

O'Neal said one thing that constituents have made very clear is the need to preserve farms and open space.

"This is vitally important," O'Neal said.

Thompson said any and all input from the agriculture community is extremely appreciative and of vital importance in helping him on the U.S. House Agricultural Committee. Thompson said he is working with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to set up a national advisory committee that will look at a number of issues, including the recent plight of dairy farmers. Thompson said this 15-member national committee will actually have a member from Juniata County who is a farmer.

He said the price of milk has begun to rebound slowly; however, many farmers are still not breaking even and to make matters worse, they are now paying off loans that are used to keep their farms afloat.

"If we lose those farms, we are not going to get them back," Thompson said. "Dairy farmers deserve to make a decent living."

Thompson said he is already starting to gear up for the next U.S. Farm Bill, which is still several years away. Thompson expressed interest in attending local agricultural meetings to help assess what farmers need, so he can focus on those issues when the next farm bill is compiled.

Commissioners welcomed the opportunity to have Thompson attend these meetings, and as their informal meeting ended, everyone in attendance agreed to keep the lines of communication open.