SMETHPORT — With the McKean County Commissioners’ approval of a memorandum of understanding Tuesday with the Western New York and Pennsylvania, the county will serve as an applicant to the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program for the McKean County freight rail capacity and safety enhancement project.
With the assistance of the county’s office of economic development, McKean County agrees to advance this project with the Western New York and Pennsylvania. The county seeks a federal grant — with a 67 percent federal match — to replace three thru truss bridges and rehabilitate two bridge abutments at various locations on the Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad throughout McKean, Venango and Crawford counties in Pennsylvania, which are intended to increase the freight capacity along the entire line from 263,000 to 286,000 pounds rail, according to Sherri Geary, McKean County’s director of economic development.
Designed as a crucial and necessary investment in the freight rail infrastructure of northwestern Pennsylvania due to its deteriorated condition and safety concerns, this project will encourage competition and ensure the continuation of an efficient and safe transportation option for freight shippers.
The total cost of the project is $17,800,000, for which the Federal Railroad Administration grant will provide up to 67 percent, not to exceed $11,926,000.
Commissioners also agreed to advertise the ordinance reaffirming and ratifying the county’s participation in the PA Counties Risk Pool and the execution of the intergovernmental agreement as amended.
McKean is one of certain counties that have established the Pennsylvania Counties Risk Pool, which provides a joint risk management pool to assist members in preventing and reducing costs and injuries to county property and to persons or property which could lead to claims being made to members of the pool. Member counties contribute financially to the pool.
In another unanimous vote, the three commissioners approved the heating, ventilation and air conditioning preventive maintenance program with MJ Mechanical Services Inc. of Tonawanda, N.Y., for renewal for equipment located at the county jail.
Two applications for County Aid were OK’d. Sergeant Township plans to use its $1,067 for sand/salt mix for winter maintenance. Meanwhile, Hamlin Township’s amount of $2,756 is to be budgeted for the same purpose.
McKean County subcontractor agreements with A Partnership in Housing and YWCA Bradford for Emergency Solutions Grant funds pass throughs also gained approval.
Prior to considering agenda items, Commissioner Thomas Kreiner noted that McKean County has received the inaugural “Innovation and Excellence in Addressing Homelessness Award” at the annual Department of Community and Economic Development conference in Harrisburg earlier this month.
In part, wording on the plaque reads: “McKean County — For their tireless efforts and integral role in the coordination of critical services to ensure Pennsylvania’s citizens remain stably housed.”
Linda Thompson, housing and homeless services coordinator for the McKean County Redevelopment and Housing Authorities, attended the meeting.
Commissioner Carol Duffy announced the county “is moving ahead” with establishing the 2020 Census Complete Count Committee, a local group whose purpose will be to encourage citizens to complete the census.
