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The Lycoming County Commissioners approved $25,000 in Act 13 funding for the Community Alliance for Progressive Positive Action (CAPPA) while lauding the program for the work it has done in helping local youths.
Loni Gamble, CAPPA's founder and executive director, spoke to the positive impact the program has had on kids, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as its history.
He thanked commissioners for the help they have extended to CAPPA through the years.
"We couldn't have done half of the things without your support," he said.
Gamble noted that CAPPA, a Williamsport-based non-profit youth intervention and development program, was launched in 2004 to help an underserved population.
"When we started in 2004, we engaged through basketball," he said. "We had a gang problem in the city."
CAPPA has since evolved to provide academic support and programs including the performing arts.
Gamble said the key is to engage kids in activities.
Commissioner Scott Metzger said he has seen the value of Gamble's work through CAPPA.
"When you do something, you do it well," Commissioner Tony Mussare added. "You will always have my support."
Commissioner Rick Mirabito noted the numerous kids who have experienced CAPPA, many of whom will successfully integrate into the community as adults.
"Kids are looking for a place to be involved and excel," Mark Mussina, Democratic candidate for Lycoming County Commissioner said.
In other action, commissioners approved two agreements with SEDA-Council of Governments toward the Whole Home Repair Program for eligible property owners.
SEDA-COG is to contract with STEP Inc. and Pennsylvania College of Technology to administer the program.
Commissioners noted that the program will not only help many people such as seniors who might not otherwise be able to keep up with home repairs necessary for allowing them to stay in their homes, but also provide work for local contractors who provide the jobs.
Commissioners approved a $380,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for county probation for its intermediate punishment program.
Commissioners recognized the work done for repairing and replacing bridges throughout the county as part of the bridge building program.
The last three of the 17 bridges under the program are under construction this year funded through a $7 million Pennsylvania Infrastructure Bank Loan to be paid off through a $5 vehicle registration fee.
Mark Murawski, county assistant transportation planner, noted the fee was part of a creative means by county officials to fund the program while minimizing the financial impact for taxpayers.
He noted that other counties can save money by taking the lead of Lycoming's bridge building program.
Unfortunately, the backlog of bridges across the state in need of repair or replacement is "tremendous," Murawski said.
The challenge moving forward, Mussare said, is to be able to continue with the program.
"We need to make sure our infrastructure is in good shape," Mirabito added.
Commissioners approved the hirings of the following personnel to fill full-time job vacancies:
• Benjamin Winters, equipment operator, Resource Management Services, $20.34.
• Timothy McElroy, correctional officer, $21.48 per hour.
• Kurt Nagel and Jonah Inch, recycling laborers, Resource Management Services, $14.50 per hour.
• Howard Engle, correctional officer, $20 per hour.
The next commissioners meeting is set for 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 17 at Executive Plaza, 330 Pine St., Williamsport.