CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield County Commissioners approved an agreement for Phase I grant funding for a state-mandated stormwater management plan.
Phase I of the plan entails establishing the scope of the work. Phase II will be the implementation of the plan.
“I certainly think it’s something we need to do,” said John Sobel, commissioner chairman.
Jodie Brennan, director of the Clearfield County Planning Commission, said that the state will fund 75 percent of the cost to implement the plan. The county must match 25 percent of the cost of the project, which can include in-kind services.
Brennan also said at a commissioner’s work session earlier this month that municipalities will be a key element to get the plan to work. She said an advisory council will be formed, with each of Clearfield County’s 51 municipalities having a seat on the council. She noted that those municipalities may need to be split into four regional groups.
She also indicated that the stormwater runoff would also address drought issues. The county recently had a drought watch lifted.
“It will help keep water here,” Brennan said at that meeting.
Brennan also indicated that the implementation of a stormwater management ordinance will help municipalities that do not already have one.