HOLLIDAYSBURG — Blair County commissioners unanimously approved to fund the replacement project for Old Mill Run Bridge in Logan Township at Thursday’s meeting.

The preliminary design is set to cost the county $4,869.93, which is reimbursed funding, Commissioner Laura Burke said.

Five percent of the sum will be paid from the Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund, while PennDOT will pay for the remaining 95%.

Burke said it will be a “big project” because a temporary bridge will be installed while repairs on the original bridge will be made.

According to Burke, this funding will go through “the whole project,” including the construction of the temporary bridge and repairs made to the original.

In other business, finance manager Bradon Meck requested a certification form for the Opioid Settlement funding to be distributed from the County Abatement Account, which was unanimously approved by the commissioners.

Meck said the “routine” estimated distribution is about $712,000.

Following the meeting, Finance Director Lindsay Dempsie said these funds are “related to but separate” from funds approved at the commissioners meeting on June 26. They receive an annual distribution from the Opioid Settlement Trust Fund.

“The funds committed on June 26 for the various programs were utilizing a previously received allocation,” she said while stating this month’s approval “was to receive the County’s next annual payment from the Opioid Settlement Trust Fund.”

During the meeting, Burke also said the commissioners are “looking for people to fill positions,” especially on the Children and Youth Services advisory board and the Social Services advisory board.

“They’re important functions in our community, and we do need volunteers to serve on all of the boards,” she said.

Commissioner Dave Kessling echoed Burke’s statement, stating that the boards are a “good way to get involved in your community, a good way to have your voice heard.”

The board also voted yes to promoting Julia Burke to chief public defender, the first woman in Blair County to hold the position.

“She was a very strong candidate,” Laura Burke said, who was “highly recommended” by her peers and predecessor, Russ Montgomery.

“We’re very excited to see what she does with her career here,” she said.

All members were present at Thursday’s meeting.

Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.