South Williamsport to see $500,000 in levee funding

The Greater Williamsport levee project received another financial boost for the Borough of South Williamsport, $500,000 in state funding awarded through the Commonwealth Finance Authority's Flood Mitigate Program.

State Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township and state Rep. Jamie Flick, R-South Williamsport, notified the Sun-Gazette about the award.

Yaw and Flick said the funding will be used to rehabilitate and recertify the levee in the borough.

"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," Yaw said. "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," Flick said. "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."

Yaw and Flick 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.