Jan. 16, 2024
HARRISBURG –State Rep. Jamie Flick (R-Lycoming) and State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Bradford/Lycoming/Sullivan/Tioga/Union) today announced $500,000 in state funding has been awarded to a project in Lycoming County through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s (CFA) Flood Mitigation Program.
Flick and Yaw said the funding will be used to rehabilitate and recertify the levee in the Borough of South Williamsport.
“It is critical that we take the needed steps to prevent future flood damage and ensure our local governments receive vital funding for infrastructure repairs and improvements,” said Yaw. “I was pleased to work with Rep. Flick and our local officials to help make these funds a reality.”
“As a lifelong resident of Lycoming County, I am thankful the
CFA recognizes the severity of the issue facing the Borough of South Williamsport and has awarded the County these grant funds necessary to make critical improvements to our levee system that will prevent future flooding events and further efforts to recertify the levee,” said Flick. “This project is a literal life-saver — as use of funds will ensure a section of the levee in the Borough continues to protect the physical life and property of residents, including 644 structures and nearly 60% of the Borough’s land area. I am thankful for the wonderful working relationship with Senator Yaw and his staff as we continue to jointly advocate for critical infrastructure projects in our district.”
Flick and Yaw explained the repairs are part of a larger rehabilitation project that will 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 much higher flood insurance costs.
The Flood Mitigation Program is funded by the Marcellus Legacy Fund, which was established by
Act 13 of 2012 and ensures a portion of natural gas impact fees collected support local environmental enhancement and conservation programs.