LEWISTOWN — Planning director Mark Colussy gave an overview of ongoing projects during the Juniata commission’s monthly meeting Thursday evening.

Currently, the planning commission is acquiring permits for the Juniata River Trail Phase II.

When the commission receives the permits, the project can move forward with the final design of the trail.

Colussy said he hopes the planning commission will receive all the project permits by the end of the winter season to move forward taking bids by spring.

If this permit process moves along as planned, the commission will complete the project by the end of 2022.

The project awaits permits from the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Water Obstruction and Encroachment Permit from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Colussy said another item next year for the planning commission is funds acquired under the American Rescue Plan Act.

“We know that both municipalities in the county have received funds to be made available for a variety of different projects mainly related to infrastructure.” Colussy said, “There are other things as all the municipalities now have funds in hand. There are some creative ways and things people are thinking about to spend that money.”

Colussy said that the commission would establish the project reasonably soon, anticipating that the United States Treasury would release their final guidance.

Colussy also said the Reedsville Streetscape Project is close to completion and does not see the project moving into 2022.

As far as The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, Colussy said they have a lot of ongoing projects.

One of the larger projects is the West Wayne Sewer and Storm Sewer Project.

Colussy said that the project has already started with work anticipated to continue next year.

Colussy added that the planning commission slated several demolitions and house rehabilitation projects for the near future.

Colussy said the Planning Commission received CDBG funds and worked with various agencies that cater to individuals prequalified for beneficiaries of the CDBG Program, such as children or seniors.

These funds would be used at facilities housing or working with such demographics to upgrade their heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

Colussy gave the LUMINA Center, shelters, and senior centers as examples of places where the commission would make such upgrades.

“Obviously, we know some of these facilities are older, and particularly their HVAC units and systems are old.” Colussy said, “So by this money is specifically designed to address pandemic related issues we felt that by having proper filtration for their air would be an appropriate use for that.”