What will Boswell do with its latest grant of $755,000?

BOSWELL ― Another financial hurdle has been cleared in the borough's efforts to replace its antiquated stormwater drainage system.

The state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) announced on June 26 that Somerset County was awarded $755,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to replace stormwater drainage pipes along Allegheny Street in Boswell.

Where the project started:What improvements are underway in Boswell Borough? Here's what we learned.

Somerset County was one of three communities to receive a total of $6.5 million in this latest grant allocation; the two other counties awarded funding were Blair ($3.8 million) and Elk ($2 million) for projects in those communities.

County government:Commissioners make straight forward decision and save the county thousands

"Safe, healthy communities improve the quality of life for Pennsylvanians, and in turn can attract new businesses and jobs which help them prosper. CDBG grants are vital in making that happen – and this funding will help Blair, Elk and Somerset counties ensure their residents have clean water and safe sewage systems," said Rick Siger, DCED secretary, in the agency's announcement.

In May, Boswell started replacing stormwater drainage pipes along Ohio Street with $205,000 in grant money awarded in 2022 from the DCED's Flood Mitigation Program, according to a May 7 article in the Daily American. That work should be finished this month, said Goldie Oberholser, borough secretary.

New businesses:Which two restaurants are joining Chipotle at the former Kings Restaurant building?

Work may start this summer, too, to replace stormwater drainage pipes along Stonycreek and Center streets in the borough. That work is being funded by a $428,447 grant from the state's Small Water and Sewer Program.

Beth Ann Miller covers the communities of northern Somerset County for the Daily American. Send her information on a story lead or news item to bethm@dailyamerican.com.