WASHINGTON — Federal lawmakers are working to fund a flood protection project for two of Bloomsburg’s largest employers.
U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11; Sen. Boy Casey, D-Pa., and Pat Toomey, R-Pa., said they are working to secure a $15 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to fund the project on the town’s west end.
This project would design and construct a flood wall around Autoneum (formerly Rieter Automotive North America) and Windsor Foods, two of Columbia County’s largest employers, the lawmakers said in a joint statement today.
Both of these manufacturers endure damaging flooding when the Susquehanna River and Fishing Creek overflow their banks.
“These jobs are critically important for the people of Columbia County, and for the local and county economy,” Barletta said. “If these companies do not receive flood protection, more than 1,000 direct jobs and thousands of related local jobs would be in jeopardy. I’m pleased to work with Senator Casey and Senator Toomey to stress to the EDA that this $15 million grant will fund a vitally important flood protection project, and that the people of Columbia County desperately need it.”
Casey said: “Flooding can have a long-lasting impact, not only on people’s lives, but on the regional economy as well. This grant will help Bloomsburg families recover, protect jobs and help the local economy, so I urge the EDA to give all due consideration to this proposal.”
Toomey said he has been meeting and talking with local officials in Columbia County about flooding issues since taking office.
“Without flood protection, more than a thousand jobs in Columbia County will be threatened,” Toomey said. “If awarded this grant, it will go a long way towards keeping these jobs in Pennsylvania and protecting the citizens of Columbia County. I hope we can move forward with this project as soon as possible.”
An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.
News
Federal lawmakers pursue $15 million flood protection grant for Bloomsburg
- News
-
-
10 Things to Know for Today
Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:
-
Driver, boy, 6, hurt in Route 15 crash
LEWISBURG — A 61-year-old Milton woman and a 6-year-old boy were hurt Monday night when their vehicle hit a guide rail and a concrete barrier before overturning on Route 15, state police at Milton said.
-
Sunbury hospital's operating margin among worst in state
SUNBURY — Sunbury Community Hospital’s 2012 operating margin was among the worst in the state, according to a new report examining the fiscal health of the state’s hospitals.
-
Sunbury woman gets 9-23 months in cocaine sales
SUNBURY — A Sunbury woman will report to the Northumberland County Prison on June 3 for a nine- to 23-month stint for her part in a cocaine ring that police said saw her earning $900 a week from sales.
-
Crews dig through night after deadly Oklahoma tornado
MOORE, Okla. — Spotlights bore down on massive piles of shredded cinder block, insulation and metal as crews worked through the night lifting bricks and parts of collapsed walls where a monstrous tornado barreled through the Oklahoma City suburbs, demolishing an elementary school and reducing homes to piles of splintered wood.
-
Jodi Arias trial wraps for day after series of motions
PHOENIX — Defense attorneys for Jodi Arias asked the judge to remove them from the case and declare a mistrial Monday, arguing the frenzy surrounding the case has created a modern-day witch hunt.
-
U.S. Sen. Casey wants federal probe of fiery tanker crash
HARRISBURG — U.S. Senator Bob Casey wants federal regulators to investigate a fiery tanker crash that caused serious damage at the interchange of Interstate 81 and U.S. Routes 22/322 near Harrisburg.
-
Federal judge weighs fate of governor's lawsuit against NCAA
HARRISBURG — A federal judge in Pennsylvania says she’ll decide in the next couple weeks whether to dismiss Gov. Tom Corbett’s antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA over penalties against Penn State.
-
Today's Top Videos
-
Police Log
A daily roundup of police news from around the region.
-
Second person reported dead following Oklahoma tornado on Sunday
SHAWNEE, Okla. — Oklahoma’s state medical examiner’s office says a second person was killed by a tornado that leveled a central Oklahoma mobile home park.
-
One person killed, four hurt when van and taxi collide in Monroe County
TOBYHANNA — Authorities say a taxi driver was killed and four firefighters were hurt when the cab crashed into a fire police van in northeastern Pennsylvania.
-
Pennsylvania woman charged with texting before fatal crash
NEW CASTLE — A western Pennsylvania woman has been charged with text-messaging while driving in connection with a crash earlier this month that killed a former volunteer fire chief.
-
Danville man seriously injured in Montour County motorcycle crash
DANVILLE - A Danville man is listed in critical condition today at Geisinger Medical Center following a motorcycle accident Sunday afternoon in Montour County.
-
Bucknell University graduates pleased with prospects
LEWISBURG - Ella Bailey was one proud mom Sunday, snapping pictures of her son Davon, a freshly minted Bucknell University graduate, getting him into different poses with his degree.
-
50 learn to be savvy shoppers
SUNBURY — Approximately 50 area residents gathered recently at the Sunbury Social Club to attend a Consumer University sponsored by AARP-Pennsylvania.
-
Scammer: This is not a scam
Residents from Danville to Beavertown are reporting they’ve been receiving “exciting news!” via postcards in their mailboxes.
“We are holding $100 in gift cards for YOU — good at Walmart and Target — your choice!” Just call a toll-free phone number and claim your reward.
-
BBs damage car on Route 15
An incident that began along Route 15 near Allenwood ended Wednesday at the Watsontown borough building, with police arresting one man for numerous charges, after they say he shot a BB gun at another man while threatening him.
- More News Headlines
-
