By Tricia Pursell
The Daily Item
July 01, 2009 07:52 am
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MIDDLEBURG — An official from SEDA-Council of Governments approached the Snyder County commissioners Tuesday to request their support for a study regarding the proposed Lake Augusta Gateway Project.
The project includes plans for a river sports park between the Veterans Memorial Bridge and Tedd’s Landing Restaurant. The 18 acres is owned by John Skotedis, of Shamokin Dam, a bridge contractor and the state Department of Transportation.
“We felt the acquisition could be brought together, but not in the short-term,” SEDA-COG’s Tom Grbenick said. A possible long-term change in the faces of the Orchard Hills Plaza and K-Mart sites also has been discussed, as was a scenic parkway along Route 11 once the thruway is built.
It is not necessary for SEDA-COG to obtain local funding, Grbenick told the commissioners, because of the $125,000 grant the agency will receive through the Pennsylvania Community Transportation Initiative. This money, he said, will be used to obtain matching federal grants through the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Commissioners’ Chairman Joe Kantz agreed that the Susquehanna River is an under-utilized asset. “We need economic development in this area,” he said. However, he said he was leery that money spent on the project may take away from money needed for the Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway project.
“We have no desire to take anything from the CSVT project,” Grbenick responded.
Commissioner Malcolm Derk agreed that the project would most likely bring new interest to the area, but he wants to make sure private holders are on board with the plans.
Grbenick asked the commissioners to consider writing a letter in support of the project before the July 20 deadline. Two months ago, the Snyder County Planning Commission rejected supporting the Lake Augusta Gateway Project.
“My hope is that somehow, collectively, we have a chance to convince your planning commission about the merits of this project,” Grbenick said.
Also on Tuesday, the board approved the hiring of Derick L. Shambach as the county’s full-time coordinator of the Emergency Management Agency, effective Aug. 3.
“The recommendation still stands, and I’m happy with it,” said Emergency Services Director Dave Hanig. Shambach is a full-time dispatcher in the county’s 911 Emergency Communications Center.
Commissioner Richard “Bud” Bickhart said his only concern with the hiring is the time frame for certification. Until Shambach is certified, he said the county would lose 25 percent of its funding.
Hanig assured the commissioners that the certification must be obtained within a year and would not affect funding.
The board also approved the hiring of Dustin R. Sholley as a full-time dispatcher, and Rachel L. Betzer was hired as a full-time supervisor in the 911 center, both effective Sunday.
The commissioners approved paying $2,400 to Larson Design Group to determine energy savings in replacement windows and lighting in the courthouse, as well as to submit an application for a Pennsylvania Conservation Works Grant.
In other business, the commissioners opened the only vehicle-lease bid received for Children & Youth Services. The bid was made by Selinsgrove Ford for a 2009 Ford Fusion at a cost of $599 a month for 36 months with $1,338 down. The vehicle’s value is $23,465.
They will talk with the department’s director before making a decision.
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