Four projects compete for CDBG funds
Water system upgrades, building improvements among proposals
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MIFFLINTOWN -- Four projects aimed at improving water infrastructure and public facilities are under consideration for this year's Community Development Block Grant funding in Juniata County.
County commissioners heard presentations Tuesday on the proposed projects, which will compete for state-allocated funding administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Commissioners are expected to select the county's application at their Aug. 11 meeting.
The projects include:
• McAlisterville Area Joint Authority: A request for $281,093 to continue Phase 2 of a spring transmission line replacement project serving approximately 400 households. According to SEDA-COG Project Coordinator Michelle Koslap, the project has exceeded its original budget. The authority is responsible for providing a local match of about $103,000 but currently has about $3,000 available. Koslap said the authority has discussed scaling back portions of the project with its engineering firm if additional funding cannot be secured.
• Port Royal Municipal Authority: A request for $175,500 to upgrade its water system by replacing a reservoir liner and valve.
• Mifflintown Municipal Authority: A request for $300,000 to replace water main laterals along Route 103 near Mexico. The project would serve approximately 76 households.
• Thompsontown Borough: A request for $117,176 to improve the borough's community building by repairing a leaking roof and addressing moisture problems in the basement.
Community Development Block Grants provide funding for eligible community improvement projects, including water and sewer infrastructure, flood control and housing rehabilitation.
In other business, commissioners approved three annual agreements with Mifflin-Juniata Human Services to administer the county's Homeless Assistance Program.
Human Services Director Melissa Stewart said the program assists residents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, including those facing eviction or utility shutoffs.
The agreements, effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, provide $19,292 for case management services, $2,530 for rental and utility assistance and $2,437 for administrative services.
In other business, Commissioners:
• Approved a letter supporting the Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging's application to become recognized as a Dementia Friendly Community through Dementia Friendly America;
• Approved Community Development Block Grant payments for the McAlisterville water project, including payments of $104,938 and $208,783.66 to Jay Fulkroad & Sons Inc. and $24,453.25 to C&R Directional Boring LLC;
• Accepted departmental reports from the treasurer, sheriff, UPI office, tax claim office, Magisterial District Judge Powell's office and the assessment office;
• Approved tax exonerations for Mifflin Borough and Monroe Township;
• Approved payment of county bills;
• Approved the hiring of Lana Rapp as a Children and Youth Services caseworker effective July 27;
• Accepted the resignation of Tammy Casey from the Register and Recorder's Office, effective Dec. 31;
• Approved changing Marina Holderman's employment status from casual part-time to full-time 911 telecommunicator floater effective July 20.