Causer Announces Flood Mitigation Grant for Coudersport

HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) today applauded a $376,000 flood mitigation grant awarded to Coudersport Borough by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

The grant will be used to raise the Mill Creek and Allegheny River levees, which will impact more than 150 home and business owners in the region.

“This is an important and worthwhile investment that will help ensure public safety and protect against property loss and damage,” Causer said.

The borough requested funding after it received new mapping and certification requirements from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) which indicate many residential, business and public buildings now fall within the 100-year flood plain. In order to remain FEMA certified, the borough was required to hire an engineer to inspect the levees and provide a feasibility study recommending corrective actions.  The study found that the levee needs to be raised at the Park Avenue location of Mill Creek as well as the borough’s recreational park location of the Allegheny River. Additionally, debris removal will allow more water storage and prevent future flooding.

The funding was awarded through the Flood Mitigation Program, which is part of the Marcellus Legacy Fund established under Act 13 of 2012. The program requires a 15 percent local match.