On behalf of all the residents of the Fort Fetter section of Blair Township of Blair County, myself and immediate neighbors, I welcome this opportunity to say thank you to the Intergovernmental Stormwater Committee (IRC) as well as all other elected officials involved in the Beaver Dam Branch (BDB) of the Juniata River sediment abatement project.

Phase 1 of this project appears to be almost complete and the restoration can not be more noticeable. Having lived in this neighborhood for 30-plus years, it is a heartheld thank you not only to the obvious aesthetics, but also to the flooding mitigation I’m sure will occur.

I encourage the IRC to pursue and finalize Phase 2 of this project. The river has provided many memorable moments, especially those involving wildlife and aquatic life. However, it has also thrown many a headache when the flooding of the BDB occurred. Regardless of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s mandate of sediment removal, the residual effects of this project will amount not only to sight but also to quality of life and recreational opportunities.

So again to the members of the ISC, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, LandStudies of Lititz, Plum Contracting of Greensburg (who are doing excellent work) and the elected officials of Blair Township and Hollidaysburg Borough, I want to say “thank you.” And thank you for the opportunity to share a word of encouragement and appreciation.

Jeffrey Cletus Satkunas

Blair Township