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Hollidaysburg allocates 2025 CDBG funds to Gaysport stormwater pond after residents describe flood damage
Summary
Council voted to allocate estimated 2025 CDBG funds to a stormwater pond project in Gaysport; residents gave detailed public comments about June flooding and urged professional hydrologic review as borough and sewer authority described permit and construction timing.
Hollidaysburg Borough Council voted Sept. 11 to direct its anticipated 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation toward the stormwater management pond project at the Stoll Farm/Gaysport site, after multiple residents described flood damage and urged a professional technical review of the drainage system.
Trina, the boroughcontracted CDBG administrator, told council the boroughwas allocated $110,469 for 2025; the county will retain an 18% administration fee, leaving $90,589 available for local allocation. Council motioned and approved allocating the 2025 CDBG funds to the stormwater pond project to replace 2021 funds that had been repurposed to curb-and-sidewalk work and therefore could not be applied to the pond project.
Several Gaysport residents used public comment to describe the June 17 flooding and ask for response and accountability. Stan Deal said his basement and a new $7,000 shed took water during the storm, and he described efforts by neighbors and borough staff to clear blocked grates. “It took about 35 minutes to put 5 and a half feet of water in my basement,” Deal said, and said his current out-of-pocket costs to date for hot water tanks and furnaces are about $7,000.
Another longtime resident warned council not to base long-term decisions solely on recent impressions and urged hiring a hydrologist. “Borough council must rely on the professionals. And, before any changes are made, I implore you to employ the services of a professional hydrologist,” said Elder Boost, who identified himself as a Gaysport resident. Regis Nail, representing the sewer authority, explained delays in construction were driven by necessary exploratory digging, gas-line relocations and customized manhole manufacturing rather than contractor negligence.
Borough staff told council the borough engineers expect to submit a DEP permit for the Gaysport project by the end of September; the submission will include a phase 1 environmental report and could prompt DEP to require further study. For an East End stormwater and sidewalk project, staff said a PennDOT pre-application has been submitted for a $1.4 million sidewalk/curbing component and that a formal application will follow by the October deadline.
Trina said the 2021 CDBG funds were moved to curb-and-sidewalk work to avoid expiration and return of funds to the state; those earlier funds must be fully expended by Feb. 6, 2026. Councilors who spoke noted local public-works crews are already performing sidewalk and curb repairs tied to those repurposed funds.
Council adopted the motion to allocate the 2025 CDBG funds to the stormwater pond project by voice vote. The council discussion and the public comments underscored residentsconcerns about recent flood damage, the need for technical study of the mini ditch and an interest in nonprofit assistance for affected homeowners.
