Public commenters press commissioners for details on ACT 14 notice, tourism and local development ideas

During the public comment period, Marilyn Erickson asked county commissioners what the ACT 14 notice was for; commissioners said the ACT 14 notice concerned consumptive water use at the Whippoorwill Pad in Shippen Township and provided the location details for public review. Erickson also asked what the IDA loan to Reid’s Auto Sales and Service was intended to fund; commissioners said they were unsure of the specifics at the meeting and offered to obtain and share the loan details.

Ken Gerg, a visitor, commended Commissioner Zucal for presenting on rural placemaking at the NACO conference and urged continued efforts to attract industry to the county, noting empty manufacturing facilities the county could market. Gerg suggested developing tourism assets, including a wildlife museum, and asked about expected visitation to the Dark Sky Park; Commissioner Zucal said scheduled Dark Sky parties bring about 100 visitors per event and annual visitation is roughly 10,000, figures presented as approximate estimates.

Why it matters: Public questions highlighted local concern about natural-resource notices, transparency on economic development funding and the potential for tourism-driven growth. Commissioners committed to following up on the IDA loan specifics and to making correspondence (including the ACT 14 notice) available for public review.

What’s next: The commissioners will provide follow-up details on the IDA loan upon request and the ACT 13 request from Guy and Mary Felt Manor is scheduled to be acted on at the April 2 meeting after first-quarter submissions are reviewed.