Happy Valley Times

State Representative Dallas Kephart has announced that Clearfield Borough will receive $125,000 in Act 13 funding for the construction of a flood protection project along Stinky Run. Kephart specified that the funding is intended to aid in replacing an undersized culvert system along the run, which currently struggles with debris blockages and sediment build-up.

"The Stinky Run project seeks to replace a currently undersized culvert system along the run," Kephart stated. He further explained, "This money is in addition to the money set aside by the Department of General Services for a large overhaul."

Currently, the culvert is equipped to handle only a two-year storm event. The upcoming project, however, aims to enhance the culvert's capacity to manage a 100-year storm event. This improvement is expected to significantly mitigate the risk of flooding by preventing debris and sediment accumulation.

Construction of the project is scheduled to commence in 2027 and is anticipated to last 18 months. The Act 13 funding is derived from the Marcellus Legacy Fund, which allocates revenues from unconventional gas well impact fees. This fund is managed by the Commonwealth Financing Authority and is dispensed to various entities for projects including watershed restoration and flood control.

Applications for Act 13 grants are open from February 1 to May 31.