Initial American Rescue Plan-fundable projects narrowing | News, Sports, Jobs

Grafius Run flood risk reduction, three fire trucks, the levee recertification, cash for removing blighted properties and an economic consultant and making Brandon Park ballfields playable.

These were among some top-tier projects City Council and Mayor Derek Slaughter discussed in a work session Monday night as potential expenditures for using nearly $25.5 in American Rescue Act funding.

The city engineer, Jon Sander, is working with others on design specifications for retention ponds and engineering improvements to reduce the volume of water in Grafius Run as it enters the city from Loyalsock Township. Estimated investment, to start, is $3 million but could go higher as property acquisition may need to occur as well as cost evaluations going higher with inflation.

Williamsport Bureau of Fire Chief Sam Aungst said the department ordered two pumper trucks and a ladder truck at an estimated straight $3.2 million and requested it be from the rescue plan.

The levee has a need for $2 million for pump station repair and cross pipe or drainage toward the recertification process to prevent those protected by the wall from paying for insurance.

The city wants to place $500,000 or more in a land bank that enables redevelopment of residential, commercial and industrial properties in blighted condition or underwater by not paying taxes to be acquired and be either demolished or repurposed.

An economic development strategy led by a consultant has been considered a valuable use of the funds.

Bringing Little League teams back to the fields at Bowman Field was considered. Sums of $500,000-plus were tossed around by council.

Councilman Randall J. Allison said he played and had family play ball there. He said getting the

city-owned fields in shape was close to his heart.

The fields are flooded, have areas with exposed pipe drainage, rusted and hazardous fencing, dugouts in need of rehabilitation and, unfortunately, have been vandalized and used by vagrants.

Representatives for Williamsport Area Little League say kids play in Old Lycoming Township, and repair of the city baseball/softball fields will only help toward economic revitalization.

The city put $960,000 aside for fiscal relief and lost revenue but can put up to $10 million aside under updated U.S. Treasury regulations, Slaughter said.

Council previously agreed to spend $470,361 for better police radios.

The city is seeking its own geographic mapping system for codes, public safety and economic development. A barricade-loaded truck for emergencies and special events has been eyed as has splash pads and maintenance funds for such projects geared toward recreation.

The city has until 2024 to allocate and 2026 to expend the funds, Slaughter said.

Council decided it will break the project categories down and discuss each separately in committees and the regular council meetings.

It is reviewing along with Slaughter what is best to spend funding on and what projects could still be fully or partially paid for using state and federal government grants.

Slaughter said as the process continues his administration continues to work with consulting firms and solicitors.

From the outset, Slaughter said the plan would involve all of the partners so the funds are used prudently and not “nickel and dimed” away.

The process has included citizen input through a survey and open meetings.

The city is anticipating another $12.7 million installment in early May, Slaughter said.