2007 Articles

WAL-MART DONATES $15,000 TO HELP FLOOD DAMAGED WATERWAYS IN THE NORTHERN TIER REGION

Representatives involved in a flood clean up project for the Northern Tier Region gather to receive a check presented to the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

 On Wednesday, October 4th , Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. presented a $15,000 check to the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission (NTRPDC) to help fund a project to remove flood debris from area waterways in the Northern Tier Region.

Wal-Mart representative James Davis, Senior Manager, Public Affairs for Pennsylvania presented the check to the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission. "Wal-Mart believes strongly in being a store of the community and we are eager to financially support efforts like this to make our communities safer and better places to live," said Davis. "Natural disasters are inevitable, the way we prepare and respond to those unfortunate events make all the difference," he added.

The Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission (NTRPDC) received a $200,000 federal grant to hire crews to remove woody debris from damaged waterways in Bradford, Susquehanna, and Wyoming Counties. The first crew started in Wyoming County along Sugar Hollow Creek. A second crew is starting clean up work in Susquehanna County on October 9th.

According to Frank Thompson, Deputy Director of the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission, the project is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and the workers must meet eligibility requirements. "Our first priority is to provide work for the individuals who lost their jobs either temporarily or permanently as a result of the flooding, then to those unemployed for other reasons," said Thompson. Additional workers are being sought in Susquehanna and Bradford Counties. It is a temporary full-time position paying $10 an hour, with no benefits; however, workers will receive various training. Job applications are available through local CareerLink centers.

"We're very grateful for Wal-Mart's generosity; this will help us to continue the program in the rest of our five counties," said Kevin Abrams. Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, and Wyoming Counties were all declared federal disaster areas after the June flooding. Up to two ten person crews will be hired to work in each county. "Along with Wal-Mart's donation, we expect to receive more federal grant money to continue the program in the rest of our region," added Abrams.

For more information on the flood clean up program, please contact Frank Thompson toll-free at 888-868-8800 or e-mail Thompson@northerntier.org.

WORKSHOP TO BE HELD LINKING MUNICIPAL BUDGETS WITH MULTI-YEAR FINANCIAL PLANNING
A workshop presented by the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors will be held in October linking the municipal budgeting process with financial planning. Local officials, municipal engineers, solicitors, and anyone involved in the municipal planning process should attend.

Each year, municipal governments prepare budgets that define how they will deliver services to their residents. These budgets include capital projects such as preparing roads and bridges, improving sanitary sewer systems and building new storm water infrastructure. Some of these projects require a significant amount of financial commitment and must be budgeted over a multi-year time period.

This workshop will focus on why and how planning and budgeting are linked. It will emphasize the importance of addressing municipal goals and objectives while maintaining strong balances in your municipality’s operating and capital budgets. Instructors will also provide important information on flood recovery permitting, including your municipality’s role in guiding property owners as they proceed with their repair and/or rebuilding of flood-damaged structures caused by recent flooding. Speakers include John Granger, Township Manager of Solebury Township, Bucks County; and Ed LeClear and Kerry Wilson, both Local Government Policy Specialists with the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services.

This workshop is also sponsored by the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission, The Center for Community Leadership, and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. It will be held on October 5th at the Towanda Country Club and on October 19th at Vittles Restaurant, Tunkhannock. Please register by calling Heather Bartholomew at 570.265.9103 or toll-free at 888.868.8800, or e-mail bartholomew@northerntier.org.

NTRPDC provides opportunities for businesses and municipalities throughout Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, and Wyoming counties to enhance the local economy and quality of life. To learn more about our community development program or for grant writing assistance, please contact Tom Schill, Community Development Program Manager at 888-868-8800, or schill@northerntier.org.

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