Lycoming News

State Representative Jamie Flick and State Senator Gene Yaw have announced a $500,000 investment in Lycoming County's South Williamsport Borough. The funding, awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority's Flood Mitigation Program, will be used to rehabilitate and recertify the levee in the borough.

Sen. Yaw emphasized the importance of taking necessary steps to prevent future flood damage and ensure that local governments receive vital funding for infrastructure repairs and improvements. He expressed his satisfaction with working alongside Rep. Flick and local officials to secure these funds.

Rep. Flick, a lifelong resident of Lycoming County, expressed gratitude to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for recognizing the severity of the issue facing South Williamsport Borough. He highlighted the importance of the grant funds in making critical improvements to the levee system, which will prevent future flooding events and aid in the recertification process. The project will safeguard the physical life and property of residents, including 644 structures and nearly 60% of the borough's land area.

The rehabilitation project is part of a broader effort to bring the levee into compliance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Without FEMA certification and compliance, residents and businesses protected by the levee would face significantly higher flood insurance costs.

The funding for the Flood Mitigation Program comes from the Marcellus Legacy Fund, established by Act 13 of 2012. This fund ensures that a portion of the natural gas impact fees collected goes towards supporting local environmental enhancement and conservation programs.

This investment in South Williamsport Borough's levee system is a crucial step towards protecting the community from future flood damage. The collaboration between Rep. Flick, Sen. Yaw, and local officials demonstrates their commitment to advocating for critical infrastructure projects in the district.