The current Three Year Community Development Plan (FFY 2011 through FFY 2013) is shown below:
| 1 |
Huntingdon County Facilities Accessibility |
210,000 |
84,000 |
0 |
| 2 |
Mary Alexander Outreach Shelter |
0 |
126,000 |
0 |
| 3 |
Mount Union Borough Building Phase II Accessibility |
0 |
0 |
110,000 |
| 4 |
Bricktown Senior Citizen Center Rehabilitation |
0 |
0 |
75,000 |
| 5 |
Wood Township Stormwater Improvements |
0 |
0 |
25,000 |
Introduction
The nine member Huntingdon County Planning Commission advances comprehensive community planning at the county level by reviewing the county's needs and recommending planning and community development priorities to county commissioners.
Community Development in Huntingdon County is guided primarily by the Huntingdon County Comprehensive Plan. The first phase of an update to the County Comprehensive Plan, consisting of data collection, was completed in 1998. Phase II, involving analysis of data collected during Phase I and the setting of goals and objectives necessary to achieve a vision of Huntingdon County for the next twenty years, concluded during 2000 with adoption of the updated Plan by the county. To date, 19 municipalities have also adopted the Plan. Extensive efforts were made during the update process to encourage citizen participation in the planning process including: public meetings conducted throughout the county, monthly meetings of the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee, a Quality of Life Survey, and a publicity campaign including speaking engagements and newspaper coverage. A copy of the draft Plan was provided to each municipality for review, as well as to public libraries for public review and comment. Phase III of the plan, including implementation of planned goals and objectives, including development of a model subdivision ordinance, commenced in 2001.
The vision established by the plan focused on the following values.
- Economic prosperity
- Rural and small-town atmosphere
- Protect natural resources
- The "Centers" concept.
- Greenways
- Access
- Excellence in both personal and community development
Huntingdon County Planning and Development Department staff reviews and updates the Three Year Community Development Plan annually using various sources of information including: survey data; recent planning studies; and input from public hearings, various community agencies, the planning commission, and the commissioners. A more detailed discussion of the methodology used in determining countywide community development needs is presented in a later section of this document.
Section One: Low and Moderate Income Concentrations
A number of municipalities and neighborhoods in Huntingdon County exhibit concentrations of low and moderate income individuals. The table on the next page lists the percentage of low and moderate income persons as calculated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development based on the 1990 United States Census. This data indicates that the following four municipalities have populations of 51% or greater meeting low and moderate income guidelines: Coalmont Borough, Mount Union Borough, Shade Gap Borough, and Shirleysburg Borough. Income data is not yet available from the 2000 Census.
Census figures often prove to be conservative. The planning and development department therefore conducts surveys on an as needed basis to demonstrate income eligibility in those municipalities indicated by the census as having low-moderate income percentages of nearly 50%.
A map is attached with median household income information by municipality. All of the municipalities where 2003 activities are planned fall into either the lowest or second lowest categories of income.
Activities funded through the FY 2003 CDBG applications benefit various populations. The two Housing Rehabilitation activities (Dudley Area Sewer Laterals and Mount Union Borough Sidewalk Replacements) benefit 100% low and moderate income persons based on income eligibility. The Sanitary Sewer activity benefits the entire service area of the Mapleton Area Joint Municipal Authority.
Minority populations of each municipality are also provided in the chart on the next page. The Benefits to Minorities Form DCA-BHD-170 is attached.
Section Two: Community Development Needs Housing
Information on housing is taken primarily from the 1990 census and data gathered in 1998 during an update to the Huntingdon County Comprehensive Plan, including a Quality of Life Survey and housing stock windshield survey. Generally, the housing stock in Huntingdon County is older and of lesser value than state averages. The percent of seasonal housing and mobile homes are significantly higher than state averages. And, there is a lack of quality rental housing.
Huntingdon County housing stock is of lesser value than state averages. 1990 Census data reveals that the median value of housing in Huntingdon County is one third less than the statewide median value, or $43,100 versus $69,700. Additionally, 24% of the housing stock in Huntingdon County is valued at less than $50,000, compared to 17% statewide. Conversely, only 2% of county houses are valued at $100,000 or more, versus 18% of houses throughout the state.
Studies reveal that there has been an improvement in the quality of Huntingdon County housing stock in the past twenty-one years. Information gathered by the Planning Commission in 1998 revealed that approximately 1,700 Huntingdon County housing units need rehabilitation. This is an improvement over an estimate generated from a survey of housing conditions conducted by the Planning Commission in 1977. The 1977 survey indicated that 2,301 dwelling units, were substandard. Of this total, 2,058 dwelling units were considered to be suitable for rehabilitation, while another 243 units were recommended for removal. This data reveals an improvement in the number of houses needing rehabilitation from 17% in 1977 to 9%, twenty-one years later in 1998.
The need for owner occupied housing rehabilitation may increase again in the next twenty to thirty years due to the anticipated increasing age of a large percentage of home owners. In 1990 48.5 percent of all Huntingdon County homeowners were 55 years of age or older. As these owners retire and income levels drop, capacity to maintain homes will also decrease. Historically, a majority of the homeowners served by the Huntingdon County Housing Rehabilitation Program are elderly, and often single, elderly widows.
Municipal ordinances, building codes and code enforcement are needed for substandard housing, and housing too far deteriorated for rehabilitation. Enforcement officers are needed to implement ordinances and demolition needs to be pursued to remove severely deteriorated housing units. Enhanced municipal subdivision and zoning ordinances are needed to guide the quality of housing developments.
Vacant housing is as much a problem in Huntingdon County (6.7% of housing stock), as it is on average around the state (6% of housing stock). The 1980 Census reported that of the 15,551 year-round housing units in the County, 14,459 were occupied and 1,092 were vacant. The 1990 Census reported that of the 19,286 county housing units, 15,527 were occupied and 3,759 were vacant. Of these 3,759 vacant units, 2,463, or over 65%, were seasonal. While these statistics reveal an increase of 2,667 vacant houses over a ten year period, a significant reason for the change is an increase in seasonal housing units from 8% of vacant houses in 1980 to 12.8% of vacant houses in 1990, according to Huntingdon County Comprehensive Plan Phase I, Background Studies.
An improvement in the quality and quantity of rental housing is needed in Huntingdon County. During public meetings conducted in 1999, the lack of quality rental housing units was identified as a hindrance to recruiting qualified young professionals to Huntingdon County. Specifically noted is a need for high end condo rental units for both young professionals, empty-nesters, and the elderly. While it is common for rural areas such as Huntingdon County to experience a chronic lack of rental housing, the proportion of occupied rental housing in Huntingdon County fell from 28.9% in 1970 to 25.0% in 1980 to 23.7% in 1990.
Increased options are needed in housing for elderly county residents. The Quality of Life survey conducted in 1998, and public meeting input during 1999, identified the need for additional housing units designed with the needs of elderly citizens. Specifically desired options include Continuing Care Retirement Communities with independent living quarters, personal care and nursing home facilities.
A survey of housing related agencies, conducted during 1996, revealed need for the following: emergency shelter for homeless and victims of domestic abuse, housing for developmentally and physically disabled, housing rehabilitation and assistance for low and middle income families (including the working poor), first time home buyer programs (including down payment assistance), housing for the elderly, and assistance to single female heads of households (both with children and elderly).
Discrimination in access to housing has not been identified as a problem in Huntingdon County. In 1991 the Huntingdon County Commissioners commissioned a fair housing analysis. This analysis was updated in November of 1996. The analysis found housing in the County to be void of discrimination. The study recommends that local governments do more to educate the public concerning the laws affecting fair housing and fair housing services. Continued monitoring and research on this topic are important.
Finally, coordination with the private sector, the Huntingdon County Housing Authority, and other housing service providers, is important to maximizing resources in all housing related efforts.
Public/Community Facilities
Public and community facilities, such as water and sewer systems, schools, libraries, community centers, parks and public services, are the assets of our communities. They are the investments of local resources in the quality of life of area residents. Adequate facilities are vital to sustaining community life. People want to live where amenities are available. Subsequently, communities are able to sustain themselves and grow, as more people, attracted to an area, make greater resources available for community enhancements.
Of course, this growth needs to be accomplished in a planned method so as to preserve the rural, small town atmosphere that currently exists in Huntingdon County, and is so prized by those responding to the Huntingdon County Quality of Life Survey conducted in 1998.
CDBG funds are needed to boost the assets of those municipalities having few resources so that community sustaining amenities can be developed. Throughout Huntingdon County, all types of public and community facilities are needed, or need to be upgraded.
Sewer and Water Facilities
Huntingdon County consists primarily of a rural landscape dotted with small, and often historic, concentrations of population. Many of these villages and boroughs have on lot septic systems on small lots near to neighbors. When aged septic systems malfunction, neighboring residential water wells are commonly contaminated. Three of the 16 municipal sewer systems are inadequate in capacity for expansion: Huntingdon Borough, Shirley Township and Hesston. The first two of these systems are particularly important to the quality of life in Huntingdon County, due to the business and industrial parks they serve.
Sewage facilities were constructed or improved in the following locations:
Mill Creek Area 1996 Orbisonia 1974
Alexandria 1976 Petersburg 1981
Shirley Township 1981 Smithfield Township
Huntingdon Borough expanded 1988 Mount Union Borough improved 2002
Hesston, Penn Township 1994 Shade Gap Area 1995
Broad Top City Borough 1994 Rockhill Borough 1974
Marklesburg Borough 1997 Three Springs/Saltillo Area 1989
Wood Township - Robertsdale 1998 Mapleton Borough - 1999
Cassville Borough 2001
Population concentrations in need of municipal sewage treatment facilities include:
Coalmont Borough* Birmingham Borough Warriors Mark Twp
Dudley Borough* Shirleysburg Borough Calvin, Union Twp
Puttstown, Hopewell Twp* Cherrytown, Lincoln Twp Cromwell Twp*
Porter Township* Middletown, Carbon Twp*
* These communities have active plans to construct sewage treatment facilities.
Non-routine maintenance of aging sewer systems and compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulations significantly burdens county sewage authorities, resulting in higher user fees in areas populated by those least able to afford cost increases. Most sewer systems in Huntingdon County are fairly new. Revenue earned by these new authorities is largely used for debt reduction; while older systems focus resources on system maintenance, upgrades and extensions.
The assistance of a county sewage and water authority could provide services to reduce overhead and potentially operating expenses for smaller systems, reducing monthly user fees. Similarly, a Circuit Rider program, coordinated for a group of authorities can achieve many of the same goals as a county authority.
Poor water quality exists in many of the county’s small boroughs. Communities with no municipal sewage treatment face concerns of water contamination from coliform bacteria leaching into ground water from malfunctioning on lot septic systems. Municipalities with aging water systems and high percentages of low income residents face the burden of non-routine system maintenance, as well as compliance with recent changes in state legislation which require all surface water sources to be treated.
Water facilities are being addressed in the following municipalities:
1. Alexandria Borough constructed a new water filtration plant in 1988 and replaced water mains in the spring of 1990 and the summer of 1997 using CDBG funding. Some of the needed upgrades include, storage tank rehabilitation and replacement of water main from the storage tank to town, distribution system looping and expansion and treatment plant improvements.
2. In 1994, Mount Union Borough completed construction of a new water treatment facility and installation of new water lines to replace those originally placed in the community circa 1910. In 1996 a temporary water treatment facility was constructed on Licking Creek to provide additional water supply. Severe water supply concerns are being addressed in the Mount Union water service area through a well development activity, funded by a FY 2000 Competitive Community Development Block Grant. A FY 1995 competitive CDBG grant, was used to rehabilitate Mount Union Lake, also known as Singers Gap Reservoir. The Authority took ownership of the Dark Hollow Reservoir from the Borough in 2002. This historic dam needs to be rehabilitated and utilized as a dry hydrant for fire protection.
3. Huntingdon Borough built a new water distribution system and new treatment plant in 1993. Water is taken from the Stone Creek, a vulnerable surface water source. A Watershed Assessment is needed to identify means of protecting this water supply.
4. Mapleton Borough upgraded its water system by drilling new wells in 1994. These wells proved inadequate and a new filtration facility was constructed on the surface water source of Scrub Run. Construction of this facility was completed in 1996. A major water line replacement project was funded through CDBG in 2001, resulting in repair of a 30,000 gallon per day leak. Substantial improvements are needed to the old and deteriorated distribution system. High water pressure contributes to water line breaks throughout the system.
5. The Borough of Mill Creek and parts of Brady and Henderson Townships drilled a new well in 1993 as part of a water and sewer system. Construction of a water treatment system and distribution lines was completed in 1996. Construction of an extension to the Mill Creek water system was completed in 1998 with use of Competitive CDBG funds.
6. Huntingdon, Fulton and Bedford Counties cooperated in the reconstruction of the Wood-Broad Top-Wells Joint Municipal Authority water system in 2000. This Broad Top Region Authority constructed water and sewer systems in the villages of Robertsdale and Woodvale. Woodvale is located in part of Well Township Fulton County and Broad Top Township Bedford County. The three counties used Community Development Block Grant funds to assist low and moderate income households with connection expenses.
7. Water line replacement was undertaken in Petersburg Borough in 1997 on St. Peters Street and Hill Street with the use of county CDBG funds. The Petersburg Borough Water Authority is using force account labor to clean all system lines with a pig and water pressure. Lines that are too small to be cleaned in this manner are being replaced. FFY 2000 county CDBG funds were used to complete replacement of water lines along Hill Street and King Street. Additional water line replacements, and source development, are needed.
8. Huntingdon County CDBG funds were used to rehabilitate the Broad Top City Borough water storage tank in 1998. A Small Water System Water Regionalization Study was conducted in 2000-2001 to determine the feasibility of cooperation with neighboring systems including the Dudley-Carbon-Coalmont Joint Municipal Authority and/or Saxton Borough. The study revealed a number of priorities to be addressed including source, replacement of aging equipment, water quality and quantity, creation of a backup supply, need for certified operators, facilities for proper handling of backwash water, and other miscellaneous improvements. A hydrogeologic study is currently underway which may lead to sharing water with, and potentially merging with the D-C-C system. A Competitive CDBG will be submitted in 2002 for replacement of distribution lines and other water system improvements throughout Broad Top City Borough.
9. Substantial improvements were made to the Shirleysburg Borough Water Authority system with CDBG funds. In 1997, a backup well was developed; and the electrical and chlorination systems were replaced. Storage tank rehabilitation was completed in 1999. Water meters were replaced through a FY 2000 county CDBG.
10. Water meters were purchased with CDBG funds in 1996 and installed throughout the Orbisonia-Rockhill system.
11. The Dudley-Carbon-Coalmont Joint Municipal Authority also participated in the DEP funded Small Water System Water Rehabilitation Study along with Broad Top City Borough. The study revealed a number of priorities to be addressed including source quality and quantity, replacement of aging treatment equipment, creation of a backup supply, and other miscellaneous improvements. A hydrogeologic study is currently underway which may lead to sharing water with, and potentially merging with the Broad Top City Borough system. It is anticipated that CDBG funds will be one option pursued for implementation of recommendations of this regionalization study.
12. Birmingham Borough is served through an ancient system owned and operated by The Grier School. The antiquated system is in need of distribution line and treatment facility improvements.
13. The Spring Creek Water System serving the Boroughs of Three Springs and Saltillo is in need of water storage improvements and source protection.
All municipal water systems in Huntingdon County are in need of various improvements and rehabilitation of system components. Those systems with worst supply problems are Dudley-Carbon-Coalmont and Mount Union Borough. Cherrytown and Neelyton are two very small systems with significant problems.
A countywide Source Water Assessment would be beneficial in developing written plans for protection and enhancement of municipal water supplies and may be helpful in identifying ground water sources that are over taxed by private residential development. The Piney Ridge area is known to have residential water supply problems. Developments in the Leffard’s Bench Area could potentially be served by municipal water supply. Many residential wells in this area are more than 500 feet deep and severely limited in quantity.
Increasingly it becomes evident that small municipal sewer and water authorities struggle to properly operate and maintain public utility systems due to a lack of resources. This lack of optimum management results in excessive wear on equipment and loss of water. Additionally, improper operation procedures increase routine expenses, thus minimizing authority funds that are needed for regular system maintenance. A certified professional sewage and water treatment plant operator, with management skills, is needed to assist the growing number of small municipal authorities.
Another phenomenon prevalent in many systems is the age of authority members and system operators. Only one or two aging individuals know much of the knowledge of line location and standard operating procedures. A systematic recording of this information would be a significant benefit to many systems.
Medical Facilities
Quality medical facilities are a factor in recruiting new industry to Huntingdon County and therefore are a very important community need. The increasing percentage of the county residents over 65 years of age, (13% in 1990 to 14% in 1995), will result in greater need for medical services. To remain competitive, the J.C. Blair Hospital completed a major expansion and renovation project in 1994. The hospital also constructed office space surrounding the facility’s parking lot to provide for co-location of various doctors’ offices and various medical services. A wound center was developed as a niche service.
Four regional medical centers also assist in providing medical services throughout the county. These are located in Alexandria Borough, Carbon Township, Mount Union Borough, and Orbisonia Borough. The Broad Top Medical Center in Carbon Township is in need of additional space and rehabilitation. The condition of other facilities is similar.
A focus group forum sponsored by J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital in 2002 identified a lack of doctors as a serious problem in Huntingdon County. It is difficult for those who move to the area to find a doctor who is accepting new patients. It was also noted that there is only one Pediatrician’s office and one Obstetric office in the Huntingdon Area. A program for attracting physicians to the area is needed. Access to specialized medical services can be improved through mobile satellite facilities affiliated with medical facilities from the Central Pennsylvania Region.
Improvements to access to quality medical services are needed to successfully market the county to industry, to prospective Juniata College students, and to the retirement community.
A Comprehensive Economic Analysis for Huntingdon County prepared in December of 2002 states that "The proximity of J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital to other health care facilities within the Southern Alleghenies Region creates an opportunity for utilizing telemedicine to enhance delivery of health care services.
Educational Facilities
A trained and educated workforce is critical to the recruitment of business and industry. Likewise quality educational facilities are important to attracting young professionals to the area who may be interested in continuing their education, as well as in the educational opportunities for their children.
Investment in traditional educational institutions, as well as innovative second career, entrepreneurial skills, leadership and continuing education programs is paramount to achieving Huntingdon County’s goal of economic prosperity.
Educational resources in Huntingdon County include six school districts, a vocational-technical school, a religiously affiliated school and the Grier School, a prestigious, international, girls’ boarding school. Juniata College and DuBois Business School are located in Huntingdon Borough. Juniata College is a small, private, four year, liberal arts, undergraduate institution; while DuBois Business School offers associate degrees and continuing education opportunities. Penn State’s Main Campus, located in nearby State College, provides under graduate through doctoral programs.
Implementation of the Juniata College Master Plan, developed in 1993, is resulting in significant campus wide renovations and improvements. Juniata College enrollment brings approximately 1,300 students to the county from August to May.
Juniata College formed a partnership with Huntingdon County Business and Industry in 2002 that will increase their role in local economic leadership. A vacant school building near the college was purchased in 2002 for the purpose of student housing and a business incubator. Significant expansion of the Juniata College Raystown Lake Environmental Education Center is underway. This may serve as a spring board to development of a similar public facility identified as a goal of the Raystown Lake Master Plan.
The Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center was completed in 1977 thus offering a higher degree of technical training to county high school students and adults. In 2001, the Career and Technology Center approached participating school districts for facility expansion; however, the initiative was not supported. The growing job market for technical and service professions is cause for focus on this facility as a high school and a continuing education facility.
The Mount Union and Huntingdon Area School Districts constructed three new elementary school buildings since 1998, resulting in the vacancy of five older school buildings located in Huntingdon and Mount Union Boroughs, and Walker and Smithfield Townships. The vacant buildings purchased by a combination of municipalities and private developers pose opportunities for the community. Juniata College plans to convert the Alfarata School into dormitory housing and a business incubator. Proposals are being solicited for reuse of the William Smith School in Huntingdon Borough and for the Mount Union Elementary School.
There is a need for more child and adult care facilities. Furthermore, educational facilities can play an important role in augmenting municipal public facilities by opening their buildings to increased public use and by offering various programs to the greater public. Improvements to Huntingdon County educational facilities and the programs that they offer are needed. An economic development study is currently underway, which will further assess educational preparedness of the Huntingdon County workforce and recommend areas for increased focus.
Recreation Facilities
Huntingdon County is very fortunate to be home to many outdoor recreational opportunities: three state parks, one U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 29,000 acre facility, approximately 33,000 acres in state game lands, 68,000 acres in state forests. Access to lakes, rivers, and ponds abound. Trails are also plentiful throughout the county. Recreational opportunities available include fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, hunting, picnicking, and camping. These facilities provide opportunities to those of all income levels. Additionally, they attract tourists to the area, generating spin-off businesses and generating income to the county’s economy. Maintaining the natural beauty and small town charm of the County while achieving the goal of economic prosperity is central to continuing to attract tourists to vacation in Huntingdon County.
The county is lacking in well maintained community parks, located near population centers, such as playgrounds, ball fields, bike paths, etc. Many municipalities have requested funding for local, in-town parks including the Boroughs of Mill Creek, Alexandria, Huntingdon, Mount Union and Broad Top City, and Petersburg and the Townships of Carbon, Walker, Wood, Smithfield, and Tell.
Huntingdon County and Huntingdon Borough are part of the South Western Pennsylvania Heritage Preservation Commission Project, a nine county project under the National Park Service. The goals of the commission are to recognize, preserve, promote, interpret, and make available to the public the cultural heritage of the nine counties, including both Huntingdon County and Huntingdon Borough, the three basic industries; iron and steel, coal, and transportation, found in southwestern Pennsylvania. Active participation in the Southern Alleghenies Regional Planning Commission’s initiative for development of recreational opportunities is essential in reaching goals established by the County’s Comprehensive Plan.
The County supported implementation of East Broad Top Railroad Full Steam Ahead. This study recommended restoration of the entire railroad as a tourist attraction. The East Broad Top Railroad is a national historic landmark in need of investment and improved marketing practices to remain viable.
Investment in enhancing the County’s abundant recreation facilities is essential to the well being of communities. The need has been identified for improved recreation related improvements and amenities, such as year round attractions, accommodations and eateries.
Public Services
Huntingdon County conducted a separate planning process for human services since 1983. The "Coordinated Service Plan for Huntingdon County" was last updated in 1986. The Huntingdon County Human Services Department plans are underway to conduct a comprehensive service needs assessment.
The median per capita income for Huntingdon County was $11,872.00 in 1989 compared with $17,387.00 for the State. As of December 1999, 1.1% of the persons in Huntingdon County receive cash assistance, compared to 2.6 percent statewide. This is a significant reduction compared to the pre Welfare Reform county 4.8% figure for Huntingdon County. According to the Department of Public Welfare, most of those who no longer receive cash assistance are working at part time jobs with low pay and no benefits. These individuals are still eligible for medical assistance, food stamps and other state assistance programs. Given the local economy, it is difficult to find entry level positions that pay enough to support a family. This results in a large class of "working poor".
The top "target problems" in the county according to the "Coordinated Service Plan" are:
1. Failure to attract new businesses and industry to provide jobs,
2. not having enough money to pay bills,
3. not knowing what services agencies provide,
4. lack of jobs,
5. lack of money to pay for recreation,
6. tax increases,
7. not being able to go to the doctor because of the cost,
8. feeling very depressed,
9. not having enough money to pay for food, shelter, or clothes,
10. having job openings not matching training or skills.
Services are needed to address all of the above problems as well as the needs of emergency housing, employment assistance, victims of violence and the physically and mentally disabled. The study recommended several services as being needed to address county needs: public transportation, day care, better human service coordination, and recreation.
In the rural environment of Huntingdon County, many social services are available only to those with a means of transportation to agency offices. Most offices are centrally located in the Huntingdon Borough Area. The lack of public transportation limits accessibility of some services. The Huntingdon County Planning and Development Department in partnership with J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital have recently completed a countywide Transportation Needs Analysis. The problem of a lack of transportation is identified during conversations with all human service providers. According to the analysis 48% of all health and human service clients have difficulty getting to needed services. The analysis documents current services being provided and recommends a more detailed feasibility analysis for a public transportation system.
There is a need to educate school age youth and teens in life skills such as budgeting, legal rights and responsibilities, renting, purchasing a home, house maintenance, drug awareness, parenting and communication. A program designed to effectively reach youth could reduce later dependence upon social service agencies. Targeting dissemination of similar information to the elderly in group settings such as elderly housing and senior centers and meal sites can also improve the quality of life for many county residents. Topics of particular concern for the elderly include medical services, legal rights and responsibilities, coping with depression, etc.
Economic Development
The Huntingdon County Comprehensive Plan ranks economic development as the highest priority improvement needed in the county. As a result, the Huntingdon County Economic Development Task Force was created in 2000 for the purpose of coordinating the efforts of various economic development agencies operating in the county.
The Task Force completed a Comprehensive Economic Development Analysis in December of 2002. The goal of the Analysis was to identify key issues facing the county and recommend strategies for addressing these issues. Implementation of these strategies is expected to be a high priority for future CDBG applications.
The Analysis identified the following indicators of economic weaknesses in Huntingdon County.
- competitive weakness in manufacturing sector
- diversification in service
- 30% of workforce works outside of county
- unemployment is higher than state average over several decades
- higher than average percent of people employed in manufacturing
- prevalence of old industries
The plan of action identified by the Analysis focuses the following three objectives:
- Business and Workforce Development – to support the diversification of Huntingdon County economy through internal capacity building
- Marketing and Visitor Promotion – to enhance Huntingdon County’s image among internal and external audiences
- Economic Zone and Technology Procurement – to provide targeted assistance to the County export oriented businesses and to support redevelopment of underutilized properties
Huntingdon County is consistently ranked higher than most all other Pennsylvania Counties in unemployment. Seasonal work related to construction and tourism causes higher unemployment rates during winter months. Several significant manufacturing employers with cyclical production schedules also affect unemployment rates.
Huntingdon County Business and Industry, Inc., an organization of business and government leaders, that works to sustain and improve the industrial base in the county set diversification of industry as a primary goal. Attraction of new businesses is hindered by a lack of local resources including: water and sewage facilities, airport and highway access, trained workers, housing stock, medical facilities, and cultural and educational opportunities. Other economic trends include more two income families, more national "chain" retail stores and restaurants, and more recreation oriented private businesses.
Huntingdon County allocated FY 2002 CDBG funds for the purpose of extending utilities to a KOEZ designated property in Broad Top City Borough. The municipal water supply needs to be enhanced in order for this site to be developed. Jobs must be created by 2007 in order to meet CDBG requirements.
Conclusion
Given the limited resources of Huntingdon County, with its high unemployment and low median income, state and federal grants are going to be essential in developing the assets characteristic of healthy, desirable communities. Efforts must be comprehensive.
County leadership is needed to systematically review community needs throughout the county, so that limited resources are focused where they are most needed to create the successful communities envisioned by the Huntingdon County Comprehensive Plan, matching most needed improvements with available funding sources. Identifying and bolstering township and borough leaders is critical to helping communities help themselves.
Adequate financial resources, consistently and wisely focused on the needs of our communities are necessary for fulfillment of our vision for Huntingdon County as established by the Huntingdon County Comprehensive Plan, "It is our goal that Huntingdon County achieve economic prosperity while retaining the qualities of rural and small town living."
Section Three: Countywide Development Objectives
As a result of the collection and analysis of public comment and data during the recent update of the Huntingdon County Comprehensive Plan, the following categories have emerged:
Countywide Housing Needs
GOAL: To encourage the provision of decent, safe, and affordable housing for all the residents of Huntingdon County regardless of age, sex, income, religious or ethnic background.
The major countywide housing needs include:
1. Upgraded maintenance of the housing stock throughout the county
2. Provision of a wider choice of housing types, for ownership and rental, throughout the
county
3. Demolition of a number of dilapidated structures throughout the county
4. Attraction of housing developers to the county to construct a variety of housing and rental
units
5. Provision of certain types of housing e.g. family, elderly, low income, emergency shelter,
transitional, physically/developmentally disabled, etc.
6. Identification of suitable sites for building reuse and conversion for housing throughout the
county
7. Improve access to affordable housing for low and moderate income families throughout the
county
- Increase awareness of Fair Housing rights and requirements
- Development of housing options specifically targeted to the needs of elderly
- Municipal guidance for housing development including land use plans and building and maintenance codes and code enforcement
Countywide Public/Community Facilities and Improvements Needs
GOAL: To encourage and promote the provision of adequate community facilities, utilities, and services in Huntingdon County by appropriate governmental and private organizations.
The major countywide needs for public and community facilities improvements include:
1. Upgraded and new public facilities such as: stormwater systems, water systems, and sewage collection and treatment systems
2. Provision of additional numbers of, and greater variety of, recreational facilities and opportunities
3. Provision of adequate solid waste disposal facilities for county residents
- Reconstruction of local roads, streets, and bridges
- Public transportation
6. Development of community centers for youth, elderly and physically and developmentally disabled
7. Child care and elderly care assistance for disadvantaged families and single head of households
8. Provision of emergency shelter to homeless and victims of crime
- Construction of physical improvements to public structures to accommodate the handicapped and elderly
- Reconstruction of sidewalks for the safety of pedestrians
- Library improvements
- Improved access to specialized medical facilities
- Increased availability of educational facility resources to general public
- County assistance to municipal authorities in the repair, management and operation of aged water and sewer systems
Countywide Public Service Needs
GOAL: To assist all county residents in achieving economic self-sufficiency, public safety, good mental and physical health, and healthy social relationships through the provision of a variety of social and public services
The major countywide public service needs include:
1. Provision of expanded programs to serve the high number of unemployed citizens throughout the county, e.g. job training, job placement
2. Provision of coordinated delivery of Health, Social and Welfare Service through the use of a Human Service Coordinator
3. Provision of training and counseling in skills for school age youth, the elderly, the physically, developmentally, ecomically and socially disadvantaged including, but not limited to: life skills, budget planning, home maintenance, etc.
- Transportation for the disadvantaged
Countywide Economic Development Needs
GOAL: To encourage the development of a healthy and diversified economic base capable of providing employment and goods and services to the residents of Huntingdon County
The major economic needs throughout the county include:
1. Provision of a greater number of job opportunities in basic industries
2. Provision of a greater variety of job opportunities for low and moderate income persons
3. Formulation and implementation of a comprehensive economic development analysis to guide countywide future economic growth and development
4. Identification of those industries and commercial enterprises throughout the county which may wish to expand
5. Provision of additional services and programs to local business and industry to enable them to better compete in the marketplace
6. Identification of sites with required services and other desirable features which can accommodate additional industrial and commercial activity
7. Continued diversification of the industrial and commercial base of the county
8. Provision of proper land use and development to prevent future slums and blight
9. Provision of job training programs for the disadvantaged
10. Diversification of employment opportunities
11. Continuing educational opportunities to improve employment skills
Section Four: Short and Long Term Plan
Short Term Plan (FFY 2003)
Activities for Huntingdon County's Community Development Short Term Plan follow:
1. Housing Rehabilitation- Sewer Laterals- Dudley/Coalmont Boroughs/Carbon Twp
Grant funds will be used for installation of sewer laterals for income eligible families. Both housing and public/community facilities are considered. This activity benefits low and moderate income persons by providing assistance with housing improvements, better public facilities and cleaner, safer drinking water. These are among the highest priorities in Huntingdon County.
2. Housing Rehabilitation- Sidewalk Rehabilitation- Mount Union Borough
Grant funds will be used for rehabilitation of sidewalks for low and moderate income eligible families. Borough staff will conduct the work. This activity benefits low and moderate income persons by providing assistance with housing improvements. The entire low-mod eligible community benefits from code compliance, a more attractive community image, and support of the municipal budget, by payment of borough staff for construction work. This activity meets two objectives outlined by the Plan: increased accessibility and housing stock maintenance.
3. Sewer System – Mapleton Area Joint Municipal Authority Drying Shed
Grant funds will be used to construct a pavilion style drying bed for dewatering sewage sludge. Supporting municipal service providers is essential to keeping operating costs low to keep monthly user fees affordable. The Plan identifies support of infrastructure as a high priority.
Long Term Plan (FFY 2004 and 2005)
Activities for Huntingdon County's Community Development Long Term Plan follow:
FFY 2004
1 Water System – Alexandria Borough Water Line Replacement
Grant funds will be used to replace an existing water line. This activity benefits low and moderate income persons by providing quality water service. Maintenance of existing infrastructure is among the highest priorities identified in the Plan.
2. Acquisition - Habitat for Humanity
Grant funds will be used to purchase two parcels or existing buildings to be improved by Habitat for Humanity for resale to income eligible families. The houses will be sold to very low income families. The Plan identifies home ownership and development of affordable housing as a need of the County.
3 Community Facilities – Orbisonia-Rockhill Homecoming Association Facility Improvements
Grant funds will be used to demolish and reconstruct a building at the Homecoming Grounds. An income survey is underway to determine low/mod income benefit. The Plan identifies maintenance of existing recreational facilities as a need of the County.
4 Sanitary Sewer System – Petersburg Borough Sewer Pump Replacement
Grant funds will be used to replace an existing sewer pump with a new submersible pump. An income survey of the service area is undeway to determine low and moderate income benefit. The Plan identifies maintenance of existing infrastructure as one of the highest priorities in the County.
FFY 2005
- Housing Rehabilitation – Sewer Laterals – Cromwell Township
Grant funds will be used for installation of sewer laterals for income eligible families. Both housing and public/community facilities are improved. This activity benefits low and moderate income persons by providing assistance with housing improvements, better public facilities and cleaner, safer drinking water, while improving property values and preserving the community. These are among the highest piorities in Huntingdon County.
2. Public Facility – Juniata Valley Senior Citizens Center Addition
Grant funds will be used to construct an addition to the recently constructed senior citizens center. Senior citizens presumed to meet low and moderate income guidelines will benefit exclusively from this activity. Support of existing recreational facilities is a high priority of Huntingdon County.
3. Housing Rehabilitation - Sewer Laterals - Hopewell Township- Puttstown
Grant funds will be used for installation of water and sewer laterals for income eligible families. Both housing and public/community facilities are considered. This activity benefits low and moderate income persons by providing assistance with housing improvements, better public facilities and cleaner, safer drinking water, while improving property values and preserving the community. These are among the highest priorities in Huntingdon County.
Section Five: Three Year Plan Summary - FFY 2003 - 2005 Please see next page.
Section Six: Relationship of Community Development Plan with Other Plans
The Community Development Plan was developed in part with data from other studies and plans. A heavy emphasis is placed on coordination with the newly updated Huntingdon County Comprehensive Plan due to an extensive data gathering, visioning and goal setting process undertaken by the Huntingdon County Planning and Development Department and Planning Commission from 1997 through 2000.
Other plans referenced for coordination include: Southern Alleghenies Planning Commission Reports, U.S. Census Data, Huntingdon County Comprehensive Economic Analysis, the Coordinated Services Plan for Huntingdon County and input from the public and local municipal officials.
Section Seven: Maps
1. Huntingdon County Census Geography
2. Huntingdon County Low and Moderate Income Concentrations
3. FFY 2002 CDBG Activities
- Removal of Architectural Barriers – County Facilities
- Housing Rehabilitation – Dudley-Carbon-Coalmont Area
- Housing Rehabilitation – Cromwell Township
- Acquisition – Habitat for Humanity
- Economic Development – Broad Top City Borough KOEZ
- Removal of Architectural Barriers – Mount Union Borough Building
Elevator
- Community Facility – Shirley Home for the Aged
Plan Methodology and Citizen Involvement
In selecting activities to be included in the County's Three-Year Community Development Plan the county plans to employ the extensive public comment process outlined below. All dates and locations are tentative and subject to change. Contact the Huntingdon County Planning and Development Department at 643-5091 for updates.
Sept 1 Notice to Municipalities, Authorities and Non-Profit Agencies
Oct 9 Public Meeting #1 Shirley Township 7:00 pm
Oct 20 Public Meeting #2 Marklesburg Borough Building 3:00 pm
Oct 23 Public Meeting #3 Juniata Valley Senior Citizens Center 6:00 pm
Nov 1 Public Notice for Public Hearing #1
Nov 10 Public Hearing #1
Nov 19 HCPC Review of 1st and 2nd Years of Three Year Plan
Nov 19 Deadline for Project Submission Forms from Municipalities and Agencies
Nov 20 Dec 16 Evaluation of Proposed Projects
Dec 17 HCPC Review of 3rd Year of Three Year Plan
Jan 21 HCPC Review of Three Year Plan
Jan 27 Commissioners’ Tentative Approval of Three Year Plan
Feb 2 Public Notice for Hearing #2
Feb 9 Public Hearing #2
Feb 17 Commissioners’ Approval of Three Year Plan
Feb 25 Deadline for County CDBG Application to Pennsylvania Department of
Community and Economic Development (Tentative)
|
1990 Census Figures for Low and Moderate Income Population |
|
Municipality |
% low/mod pop. |
Municipality |
% low/mod pop |
| Alexandria Boro |
33.7 |
Miller Twp |
32.3 |
| Barree Twp |
20.8 |
Morris Twp |
35.4 |
| Birmingh. Boro |
37.5 |
Mt Union Boro |
51.8 |
| Brady Twp |
35.4 |
Oneida Twp |
20.8 |
| Broad T.C. Boro |
43 |
Orbisonia Boro |
45.3 |
| Carbon Twp |
38.2 |
Penn Twp |
29.7 |
| Cass Twp |
36.9 |
Petersburg Boro |
41 |
| Cassville Boro |
39.9 |
Porter Twp |
28.3 |
| Clay Twp |
45.4 |
Rockhill Boro |
50.9 |
| Coalmont Boro |
52.4 |
Saltilo Boro |
36.5 |
| Cromwell Twp |
33.7 |
Shade Gap Boro |
62.6 |
| Dublin Twp |
32.5 |
Shirley Twp |
37.1 |
| Dudley Boro |
43.2 |
Shirelysburg Boro |
65.25 |
| Franklin Twp |
33.7 |
Smithfield Twp |
37.2 |
| Henderson Twp |
35.8 |
Springfield Twp |
34.1 |
| Hopewell Twp |
39.7 |
Spruce Creek Twp |
26.9 |
| Huntingd. Boro |
39.3 |
Tell Twp |
36.9 |
| Jackson Twp |
25.2 |
Three Springs Boro |
36 |
| Juniata Twp |
40.7 |
Todd Twp |
37 |
| Lincoln Twp |
33.1 |
Union Twp |
40 |
| Logan Twp |
27.2 |
Walker Twp |
24.3 |
| Mapleton Boro |
45.8 |
Warriors Mark Twp |
24.7 |
| Marklesbrg Boro |
39.1 |
West Twp |
46.2 |
| Mill Creek Boro |
50.8 |
Wood Twp |
50.3 |