Wayne passes on 10 block grants

Gypsy moth spray program explained

By TOM KANE

HONESDALE, PA — The Wayne County commissioners recommended approval of 10 municipal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) at their meeting on February 16.

The federal grant program assists municipalities with at least 51 percent of residents at low- or moderate-income levels. The money comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and is distributed by the state government.

Representatives of many communities were present at the commissioners meeting where Jacqueline Young, Executive Director of the Wayne County Redevelopment Authority, announced the grants.

“These are not reimbursable programs,” Young said. “No work is to be done until the municipality receives the money, which happens around late July or August.”

Starrucca resident Loreda Everett challenged the grant that will be received by the Borough of Starrucca. The $30,000 grant is to replace the deck and guiderails of the Buck Road Bridge. Everett read a long historical analysis that disputed the borough’s ownership of the bridge, stating that it was, in fact, owned by the county.

“Based on the history and documentation provided in this letter, I humbly request that all county commissioners reject the CDBG application for Buck Bridge, which was presented by the Starrucca Borough Council.”

“This objection must be directed to the state government,” Young said. “The county has no jurisdiction to reject the application since the borough meets the main criterion of 51 percent.”

The gypsy moth suppression program

The board also heard from Michael Roche, a Wayne County Conservation District forester, who explained the gypsy moth spray program.

Insecticide spraying will occur from late April to early June in the four county townships of Paupack, Palmyra, Lake and South Canaan.

“Bacillus Thuringiensis is a biological insecticide with no known adverse affects on humans, pets or wildlife,” Roche said. The target is leaf-eating caterpillars. “The spray will be conducted by fixed-winged aircraft or helicopter,” he said.

Two-thirds of the funding will come from the federal and state governments, and one-third from the county and individual landowners.

2006 CDBG requests

The following Wayne County communities will receive a community block grants:

• Clinton Township $33,000

To pave Front & Forest streets in the Village of Browndale

• Canaan Township.........$20,000 To complete Old Route 6 – continuation of 2005 grant

• Starrucca Borough $30,000

To replace deck and guide-rails on Buck Road Bridge

• Waymart Borough $22,854

To remove debris from Van Auken Creek – continuation of 2005 grant

• Hawley Borough $46,000

To pave Highland Street from Spruce to Ridge Street

• Habitat for Humanity $16,000

For on-site well and septic system

• Berlin Township $28,863

To complete Van Dine Road

• Pleasant Mount Community Center $20,000

To pave the parking area at the community center

• Texas Township $13,000

To pave Lock Street in White Mills

• Communities That Care $8,000

For continuation of program funded in 2005