Residents Failing to Return Surveys Holding Back Ganister Sewer Project

At the regular Catharine Township meeting on June 18, Blair County Planning Director David McFarland gave an update to supervisors on the Ganister sewer project funding.

McFarland said that six residents in the Ganister area still have not returned an income survey, which is necessary to obtain project funding assistance from the government. McFarland said that these residents have been visited twice and surveys have been mailed out to them two separate times. McFarland suggested a third visit to the residences, including him, a supervisor and Sewage Enforcement Officer Luke Helsel.

To qualify the project for federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding help, 51 percent of the community must meet certain income guidelines. But without the six surveys, the Ganister community does not meet the requirements.

If the six residences fail to respond, McFarland said that there are other avenues of getting funding but not the 100 percent grant money from CDBG. Most other funding assistance offers 50/50 splits of funds with Catharine Township responsible for 50 percent. McFarland said that he is continuing to pursue other avenues and will be able to give an update at next month’s meeting.

During a special meeting in May, Supervisor Heather Flaig was named to be the new interim township secretary, following health issues of current secretary Eleanor Harclerode. Supervisor Ken Brenneman, during last Thursday’s meeting, was named the township treasurer. Chairman Heather Flaig made the motion with Supervisor Ralph Rispoli seconding and the motion passed. The motion also bonded Brenneman for the position.