BLOOMSBURG – A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for next week to kick off a $30-million flood protection project in Bloomsburg. The federal Economic Development Administration is providing a $15-million grant for the project, which was secured with the help of SEDA-COG. Also, about $11.8-million was secured in state grant funding, with the assistance of State Senator John Gordner (R- 27th, Berwick) and State Representative David Millard (R-109th, Bloomsburg).
The flood protection system will primarily protect Autoneum, one of the largest employers in and around Columbia County. It will also protect the former Windsor Food facility, which closed recently. The project will consist of installing a U-shaped floodwall, over a mile in length. Officials from Columbia County, Bloomsburg and state and government officials will be on hand for the groundbreaking on Wednesday. (Ali Stevens)