LEWISTOWN — The Mifflin County Commissioners on Thursday dispersed nearly $782,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds to local projects.

In a detailed presentation, SEDA-COG representatives Tyler Dombroski and Carol Kearney-High outlined proposed CDBG projects for Mifflin County and five municipalities. The largest allocation, $222,473, will fund water meter replacements in Wayne Township.

“The overall goal for the water quality is to keep rates as low as possible,” Kearney-High said. The project will install 84 new walk-by water meters and meter pits in the Belleville area, improving efficiency and leak detection.

Other approved projects include:

• $93,545 for Barefoot Road reconstruction in Armagh Township

• $100,541 for Reedsville Park improvements in Brown Township

• $128,160 split between Yeagertown road reconstruction and public housing roof replacements in Derry Township

• $100,167 for housing rehabilitation in Granville Township

• $142,975 for improvements to Cherry Street leading into Breneman Park in Lewistown Borough

Commissioner Kevin Kodish highlighted the importance of timely infrastructure maintenance.

“Addressing these needs now prevents more significant issues down the line,” he said. “It ensures our residents have safe and reliable roads.”

The Commissioners noted these allocations required approval from each municipality. The projects aim to benefit low and moderate-income residents, an essential requirement of CDBG funding.

Dombroski emphasized the strict regulations accompanying federal funds. The Commissioners approved several related policies, including fair housing, procurement, and efforts to engage minority-owned businesses in county contracts.

“With the CDBG program, we consult with a lot of private vendors for purchase of goods and services,” Dombroski said. “When the county does that, the county needs to be taking affirmative steps to encourage participation from minority business enterprises.”

Also during the meeting, Commissioners recognized food insecurity as commissioners proclaimed September “Hunger Action Month” in Mifflin County. The proclamation cited alarming statistics: one in seven Mifflin County residents and one in five children face food insecurity.

Maria Disabella of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank thanked the commissioners for the recognition. “As you heard, one in seven neighbors is food insecure in Mifflin County, and the need is higher – up 27%,” she said.

Melissa Stewart of Mifflin County Human Services detailed local efforts to combat hunger. These include monthly food distributions serving up to 250 veteran families and a “Fresh Express” program in McVeytown, reaching about 125 families monthly. Stewart announced plans to expand the Fresh Express program to Milroy.

“We’re doing everything we can to make sure food gets to where it needs to be,” Stewart said. She noted a food distribution calendar is available on the county website and distributed to local agencies.

Commissioners praised the collaboration between county agencies and the food bank. “It really speaks to the collaboration necessary, especially in rural communities, but really everywhere in order to meet the needs,” Commissioner Rob Postal remarked.

During the meeting, Kodish reminded residents of upcoming election deadlines. Voter registration must be completed by October 21 at 5 p.m., and the deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is October 28 at 5 p.m. The office will remain open until 5 p.m. on these dates to assist voters.

“We’ve received 3,127 applications for mail-in ballots,” Kodish reported. “That’s a very high number for us, and more are coming in daily.”

The commissioners also approved change orders related to the Library Project. The additions include work on the East Wing area for demolition and framing, and HVAC work totaling over $100,000. They recognized the need to complete these additions now to avoid future closures and disruptions.

In other business, the commissioners:

• Approved Resolution No. 47 of 2024 Appointing Physical Plant Director Lonnie Griffith as a Section 504 Compliance Officer and Establishing a Grievance Procedure;

• Reappointment of Troy Boring, Belleville, to the Airport Authority for a five-year term;

• Approved reappointment of Allana Hartung, Lewistown, to the SEDA Foundation, Inc. Board of Trustees and Revolving Loan Committee for a three-year term;

• Approved a Purchase of Service Agreement for use, if needed, by Children and Youth:

Centre County Children’s Advocacy Center, Bellefonte, PA

George Junior Republic, Grove City, PA

• Approved Intermediate Punishment Grant Program contracts for the period July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025:

Brighter Visions Counseling – $32,435.00

Juniata Valley Tri-County Drug and Alcohol – $17,690.00

Clear Concepts Counseling – $32,435.00

CenClear Counseling – $30,160.00

•Approved the following personnel moves:

The hiring of Trevor Hyle for part-time Sheriff Deputy, effective Sept. 23;

The hiring of Richard Kelley, Jr. for a part-time Corrections Officer, effective Sept. 23.