Funding granted for improved Sullivan emergency communications and more

What's new in the Upper Delaware Region October 7 to 13

Posted 10/5/21

What's new in the Upper Delaware Region October 7 to 13

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Funding granted for improved Sullivan emergency communications and more

What's new in the Upper Delaware Region October 7 to 13

Posted

Funding granted for improved Sullivan emergency communications

MIDDLETOWN, NY — Sen. Mike Martucci (R,C,I-Hudson Valley/Catskills) touted $581,960 in state funding awarded to Sullivan County for improved operability of emergency communications. The funding will enable local governments to expand communication, exchange valuable data, and streamline information to better equip first responders during emergencies.

“Lives should never be at risk due to the associated cost,” said Martucci. “With this funding, I’m proud that Sullivan County first responders will be better equipped to deliver these critical services to their neighbors during the worst of times.”

Wayne, Pike explore merging corrections operations

HONESDALE, PA — The Wayne County Commissioners have decided to explore the feasibility of merging correctional operations with neighboring Pike County after reviewing reports from an independent, professional prison consultant.

Commissioners cited the change in philosophy of incarceration at the national and local levels over the past decade, including the increased use of successful programs such as the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program, intermediate punishment, probation and treatment courts, which have led to reduced prison populations locally. Both Wayne and Pike county, in keeping with the national trend, have significantly reduced their jail populations. Pike County’s prison population declined, on average, about 10 percent per year for the past six years. Wayne County Prison’s average daily population was 104 in 2013 and in 2019 was down to 53, a decrease of more than 50 percent.

Boosters for Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines available

LIBERTY, NY — Sullivan County Public Health Services announced on Wednesday, September 29, that it would begin offering the “booster” shot (third dose) of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine next week. Starting October 6, third-dose clinics will be held at Public Health’s 50 Community Lane office in Liberty every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome as long as there is room to accommodate them, but pre-registration is encouraged to ensure a quick, efficient visit. Registration can be accomplished at www.sullivanny.us/Departments/Publichealth/COVIDvaccines/clinics. For those who do not have a computer or encounter difficulties while registering, Sullivan County’s Community Assistance Center can help complete registration by calling 845/807-0925 during business hours.

Only the following individuals, if they have received the Pfizer vaccination at least six months ago, are eligible for a third dose at this time: those aged 65 or older, those aged 50-64 who have underlying medical conditions, those aged 18-49 who have underlying medical conditions based on individual benefit and risk, and those aged 18-64 who are at increased risk because of their occupational or institutional setting.

PennEast pipeline project halted

HARRISBURG, PA — In a simple statement, the companies advancing the PennEast pipeline project announced further work on it has been cancelled. The statement read, “Although PennEast received a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from FERC [the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission] to construct the proposed pipeline and obtained some required permits, PennEast has not received certain permits, including a water quality certification and other wetlands permits under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act for the New Jersey portion of the Project; therefore, the PennEast partners, following extensive evaluation and discussion, recently determined further development of the project no longer is supported. Accordingly, PennEast has ceased all further development of the project.”

“We knew we would get here eventually, it was just a matter of time,” said Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper, leader of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, and staunch opponent to the PennEast pipeline. The Delaware Riverkeeper Network was in federal court challenging FERC approval of the project, as well as leading efforts to challenge approvals sought from the Delaware River Basin Commission, the PA Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.  

Veterans service hours shift in PA

HARRISBURG, PA — Rep. Mike Peifer (R-Pike/Wayne) announced on Wednesday, September 29 that his October veterans service hours have been changed to Thursday, October 14, and will be conducted in person rather than virtually. American Legion Department Service Officer William McGovern will be available to meet with veterans at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., at Peifer’s Hawley district office, located at 2523 Route 6, Suite 2, Hawley, PA. Those interested in scheduling an appointment can contact Peifer’s district office at 570/226-5959.

Delaware Highlands Conservancy seeks accreditation renewal

UPPER DELAWARE REGION — The Delaware Highlands Conservancy announced on Monday, September 27 that it is applying for renewal of accreditation. The conservancy was first accredited in 2011 and re-accredited in 2017. A public comment period is now open.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs. Accreditation means that the conservancy’s standards for fiscal, fundraising, stewardship, easement acquisition, and overall non-profit management meet or exceed rigorous national requirements.

The commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how the Delaware Highlands Conservancy complies with national quality standards. These standards address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org, or email your comment to info@landtrustaccreditation.org. Comments can also be faxed or mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments: (fax) 518/587-3183; or by mail to 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Senator Mike Martucci, Sullivan County, first responders, Wayne County Commissioners, Pike County, correctional operations, prison populations, Sullivan County Public Health Services, booster shot, third shot, PennEast pipeline project, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Representative Mike Peifer, Delaware Highlands Conservancy, LAnd Trust Accreditation Commission

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