New forecasting at Lordville

LORDVILLE, NY — The National Weather Service (NWS) announced that it added a new forecast point for the Upper Delaware River at Lordville on September 12. The NWS credited the Upper Delaware Council for requesting the forecast point. Forecasts are available online at bit.ly/Lordville-forecast.

Move Sullivan doubles routes

MONTICELLO, NY — Move Sullivan buses are now providing service to 18 new stops and eight communities, in addition to the existing 24  stops across 10 locations. This is in addition to the Sullivan County Legislature’s earlier decision to make fares free of charge through December 2023. Move Sullivan buses operate every Monday through Friday (except holidays) from as early as 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and serve communities throughout Sullivan County. More information, including full route schedules and maps, can be found at movesullivan.com.

Pike elections office launches TextMyGov

MILFORD, PA — The Pike County Elections Office has launched its TextMyGov service, a new function that allows constituents to connect with Elections Office 24/7, by using its mobile phone text-messaging service. The TextMyGov function will quickly direct users to election-related information. Residents of Pike County can use this function to access information, including how to apply for absentee/mail-in ballots, voter deadlines, polling locations and more. Texts should be sent to 570/409-5770. For additional information, text the word Hi to 570/409-5770.

Electric vehicle rebates in PA

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) said that it is offering bigger consumer rebates for electric vehicles, with a focus on working-class households.

The DEP 2022-2023 Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate program is offering Pennsylvanians a bigger rebate for the purchase of a new or used “battery electric” car or truck. The amount has increased from $750 to $2,000 or $3,000, depending on household income.

The program also lowered the household income levels eligible for a rebate. With a total of $2 million available, the rebate program aims to help get about 1,000 more electric vehicles on the road in Pennsylvania.

Additional funding for emergency food assistance

HARRISBURG, PA — In a statement on September 14, the hunger-relief group Feeding Pennsylvania applauded an announcement from the Biden administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that they will provide nearly $1.5 billion in additional funding for emergency food assistance nationally. “This new investment will begin to alleviate the severe food shortage our food banks have been facing,  and will help ensure people in our community do not need to make the difficult choice between putting food on the table and paying bills,” the press release stated.

Congressman Pat Ryan appointed to House Armed Services Committee

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Pat Ryan (NY-19) has been appointed to the House Armed Services Committee. The committee provides oversight of and funding for the Department of Defense, the U.S. Armed Forces and portions of the Department of Energy. Each year, it is tasked with drafting the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which lays out the annual budget and expenditures of the Department of Defense.

Sullivan airport receives state funding

WHITE LAKE, NY — The Sullivan County International Airport is receiving $18.5 million to significantly renovate and expand the John “J.J.” McGough terminal. New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the grant as part of a larger program of $230 million in awards, presented to nine airports through the state’s Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization competition.

Sullivan’s $18.5 million share of that $230 million will help fund changes to the airport’s 53-year-old terminal. Additional space will be created for passengers, a new pilot lounge is planned, and the work will give passengers better views of the surrounding landscape, according to a statement.

The project will also upgrade the airport’s HVAC systems and outfit the terminal building with improved insulation, along with solar panels that will provide a sustainable source of electricity for the building. Additionally, the project will install electric-vehicle charging stations in the parking area.

Wayne recreation plan accepted

HONESDALE, PA — Wayne County has completed its first-ever effort to establish a recreation, parks and natural resources plan. The county commissioners accepted the plan on September 8.

The process began in 2020 with a grant from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the hiring of Woodland Design Associates. Through the two-year development and study of this county-wide plan, a total of nearly 300 existing and potential recreational sites were identified throughout Wayne’s 22 townships and six boroughs.

A copy of the plan is available on the county website at waynecountypa.gov/943/Recreation-Parks-Natural-Resources-Plan.

Wayne offers ARPA funds to municipalities

HONESDALE, PA — Commissioners Brian Smith, Joe Adams and Jocelyn Cramer recently hosted a meeting of municipal leaders, announcing the commissioners’ decision to allocate grant funding to every municipality from the American Rescue Plan Act funds, as well as to update the leaders on other funding programs, initiatives and county topics. The commissioners will offer each municipality a $30,000 grant opportunity that allows township supervisors and borough council members to make decisions about the best use of these funds in their communities.

Each municipality is asked to demonstrate matching funds for their project.

Transparency bill earns PA House approval

HARRISBURG, PA — The PA House of Representatives passed with a unanimous vote a bill from Rep. Jonathan Fritz (R- Susquehanna/Wayne). The bill would improve transparency by ensuring managed-care contracts and subcontracts from the PA Department of Human Services are made fully available for audit by the Office of Auditor General. Almost 90 percent of Pennsylvania Medicaid patients are served by managed-care companies that contract with the state.

Jen Metzger nominated for Ulster County executive

ULSTER COUNTY, NY — Jen Metzger secured the Democratic nomination for Ulster County executive at the Ulster County Democratic Committee convention in Kingston. She won with 64 percent of the vote.

Metzger was nominated at the proceedings by Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa, and Saugerties Democratic Committee chair Nejla Liias seconded the nomination.

Metzger formerly represented Sullivan County in the New York State Senate and is currently serving on the New York State Cannabis Control Board.