Potter County Today

The Potter County Commissioners this year awarded grants to four local governments to help repair or replace deteriorating bridges. The board allotted $40,000 to Pleasant Valley Township, $36,500 to Homer Township, and $20,000 each to Austin Borough (Elliott Street Bridge) and Bingham Township. County officials used a scoring system to determine which townships and boroughs would receive grants. It was developed by the Commissioners, representatives of the Potter County Association of Township Officials, and Potter County Planning Department to ensure objective and equitable distribution, since demand for the funds exceeds supply. Some other counties have adopted the Potter County system as a model.

Each year, the commissioners invite townships and boroughs to apply for a share of the Pa. Act 13 Bridge Improvement Restricted Use Fund received by Potter County through a state fee on shale gas wells. Under Act 13, county commissioners have the authority to distribute the funds as they see fit, as long as they address at-risk bridges. County-owned bridges are also eligible, which is not a factor in Potter County. Under Act 13, Potter County receives $40,000 annually in the Restricted Use Fund. Shown below are the check presentations to representatives from Homer Township and Pleasant Valley Township.