Commissioners approve $445K roadway safety plan aimed at reducing crashes across Mifflin County

BY BRIAN CARSON

LEWISTOWN – The Mifflin County Commissioners on Thursday approved a $445,527 agreement to develop a countywide transportation safety plan aimed at reducing accidents and improving conditions for pedestrians and other non-motorized travelers.

The contract with Michael Baker International will guide the creation of a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan funded through a federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grant, including $356,458 in federal funding and an $89,115 county match.

The plan will identify dangerous roadways and intersections and develop data-driven solutions to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

The effort stems from growing concerns about roadway safety, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists, and is part of a national initiative to move communities toward zero roadway deaths. County officials said the plan will help position municipalities to compete more effectively for future transportation funding.

For residents, the impact could include safer intersections, improved pedestrian access and targeted infrastructure upgrades. Municipalities will gain a prioritized list of projects with cost estimates, making it easier to pursue grants and complete improvements.

Planning Director Jim Lettiere said the project will include coordination with municipalities and transportation experts. A planning advisory committee will be formed, with each municipality asked to appoint its roadmaster to provide input on local safety concerns. The county will also seek participation from regional transportation organizations.

The contract includes multiple public engagement efforts, including at least four public meetings and a countywide survey to gather input on travel patterns, problem areas and improvement priorities.

The plan is expected to take about 15 months, with initial public engagement beginning as early as late spring or early summer. A final plan must be completed by December 31, 2027, with a final report due by March 1, 2028.

The commissioners approved the agreement unanimously.

In other business, the county moved forward with several grant-related items and service agreements.

Commissioners approved submission of a $102,968 grant application through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to fund counseling and educational services at the Mifflin County Correctional Facility. The two-year grant would support programming for incarcerated individuals.

The board also accepted a $181,767 Crisis Intervention Program grant that will fund an additional co-responder position to assist law enforcement with mental health-related calls. The position, coordinated through the Center for Community Resources, is intended to address increasing demand for crisis response services. Officials said current responders are often working extended hours to meet call volume.

The grant will support expanded training for first responders across the county. The program runs through September 2027 and requires no county match.

Commissioners approved updates to two intergovernmental agreements between the county sheriff and the domestic relations office. The agreements cover the continued provision of security services and warrant execution.

The board also approved a service agreement with Diversified Treatment Alternative Centers of Milton to provide residential behavioral health services for children involved with the county’s Children and Youth agency. The cost is $581.56 per day. Children and Youth Administrator Nicole Patkilitsky said the contract is needed to serve a current placement.

A workforce development initiative was approved, allowing the county to offer an eight-hour training course for local contractors as part of a housing rehabilitation grant program. The course, scheduled for May 12, will cost $2,400 for up to 10 participants, with additional attendees costing $125 each.

Two Community Development Block Grant-related agreements were approved, including one with the Mifflin County Municipal Authority for fire hydrant improvements in Juniata Terrace and another with Wayne Township for a water meter replacement project.

The commissioners approved property tax exonerations for three disabled veterans in Lewistown Borough, Derry Township and Granville Township, following determinations of eligibility by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Personnel actions included the hiring of Daniel Treweek as a full-time 911 telecommunicator, Jayden Zimmerman as a licensed practical nurse, and the retirement of Lisa Harris as tax claim clerk.

Meeting notebook

• Commissioners approved the submission of a $102,968 MAT grant for inmate counseling services.
• A $181,767 crisis intervention grant was accepted to fund a third co-responder position.
• Intergovernmental agreements for domestic relations, security and warrant services were renewed.
• A behavioral health placement contract was approved at $581.56 per day.
• A contractor training program tied to housing grants was approved for May 12.
• Two CDBG subrecipient agreements were approved for hydrant and water meter projects.
• Property tax exemptions were granted for three disabled veterans.
• Daniel Treweek was hired as a full-time 911 telecommunicator.
• Jayden Zimmerman was hired as a licensed practical nurse.
• Lisa Harris retired from her position as tax claim clerk.