Jefferson County wins federal grants for Brockway water repairs and countywide housing rehab

Jefferson County announced on the record that it has received two federal awards to support local infrastructure and housing.

Elise Gravans, director of community development for Jefferson County, told the board the county was awarded $663,000 in competitive Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to help Brockway Borough meet its local contribution for a phase of water infrastructure work. "Jefferson County has been awarded $663,000 in competitive CDBG funds," Gravans said, adding the award supports a $977,000 phase of a broader program the county estimates at about $50 million. Gravans said a county press release and additional materials are available after the meeting.

Gravans and commissioners said the county supplemented the competitive award with entitlement funds and local commitments. Officials stated the county has allocated roughly $204,000 toward the Brockway phase and that the borough has committed about $125,000 in engineering fees; the application was submitted in February and the award was announced by state and county officials. A commissioner thanked Gravans and noted the county's legislative delegation and Governor Josh Shapiro had publicized the award.

In a separate announcement, Gravans said Jefferson County also received $400,000 through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program for countywide housing rehabilitation. The funds will be used for owner-occupied homes that meet Section 8 income guidelines by household size. Gravans told the board that staff have already identified applicants on the program wait list; common work expected under the program includes roof and window replacements and other integrity repairs.

Why it matters: The CDBG award provides a locally significant share of funding for a discrete water infrastructure phase in Brockway Borough and is a small portion of a larger multi-phase program county officials say will require substantial additional funding. The HOME award supplies a targeted pool for low-income homeowners countywide and will be administered through the county DCD program wait list.

What happens next: Gravans said staff will distribute a press release and remain available to answer questions; county staff will proceed with project planning and program implementation under the funding rules. The board did not take further action on these announcements during the meeting.