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Borough, state and federal grants discussed as buyouts and construction needs exceed local funds
Summary
Officials described multiple funding tracks — NRCS buyouts, a $2,000,000 planning grant, FEMA and state opportunities — but said match requirements and legal restrictions limit how quickly dollars can be applied to construction; volunteers and residents discussed the voluntary buyout history.
Borough staff outlined grant pathways the borough is pursuing and the complications that come with them. Officials repeatedly noted that certain grants fund planning and studies but cannot be used for construction, and that non‑federal matches are required to unlock many programs.
"we're looking at doing buyouts... For $2,000,000," a borough official said when describing the scale and complexity of matching funds and the need to sequence programs. Borough and state representatives explained the borough is pursuing NRCS, FEMA and possible legislative or ballot options to secure non‑federal match money, but cautioned that some funding routes prohibit later DOT use of acquired rights of way and that other sources require strict purpose‑and‑need alignment.
Residents asked how soon voluntary buyouts might occur in at‑risk locations and whether match funding can be arranged quickly; staff emphasized the voluntary nature of buyouts and that paperwork and right‑of‑way coordination take time. Borough staff said the assembly's emergency declaration buys roughly six months of authority to pursue these matches and to sequence grant applications and potential ballot items.
