1957 Redesignation of area agency on aging for Columbia and Montour Counties; notice of intent and public hearings

DEPARTMENT OF AGING

Redesignation of Area Agency on Aging for Columbia and Montour Counties; Notice of Intent and Public Hearings

[34 Pa.B. 5939]

   The Secretary of the Department of Aging (Department), under authority in the act of June 20, 1978 (P. L. 477, No. 70) (71 P. S. §§ 581-1--581-12), in conformity with the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C.A. §§ 3001--3058ee) and in accordance with the provisions in 6 Pa. Code Chapter 30 (relating to designation and redesignation of area agencies on aging), intends to redesignate an Area Agency of Aging for Planning and Service Area (PSA) Number 15 which has the same boundaries as Columbia and Montour Counties.

   On September 13, 2003, the Department received a formal request from the Boards of Commissioners of Columbia and Montour Counties to redesignate the Area Agency on Aging from its county auspice to a nonprofit organization for their PSA. Before the Department can take any official action on this request from the Commissioners, the Department seeks additional information from all concerned parties. This notice of intent to redesignate the Area Agency of Aging is issued to set in motion a process which provides for a review of the requested action by all concerned parties, including the general public residing in the PSA.

   The Department is required under 45 CFR 1321 (relating to grants to state and community programs on aging) implementing the Older Americans Act and by the provisions in 6 Pa. Code Chapter 30 to hold public hearings on this proposed action. Accordingly, the Department will hold public hearings in Columbia and Montour Counties to provide interested parties an opportunity to present testimony regarding the following issues:

   (1)  The effectiveness of services for older persons currently being provided under the administration of the Area Agency of Aging.

   (2)  The basis for naming a new nonprofit agency to administer those services.

   (3)  The qualifications and capabilities of a specific agency to develop and carry out an effective area plan for older persons in the PSA.

   (4)  The potential positive and negative effects of resdesignation on service agency personnel, service consumers and service costs and quality.

   Public hearings will be held as follows:

Columbia County

Wednesday, December 1, 2004
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Bloomsburg Senior Center
Social Hall of St. Luke's Church
21 St. Luke's Way
Bloomsburg, PA

Montour County

Wednesday, December 1, 2004
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Danville Senior Center
Armory Building
500 W. Mahoning St.
Danville, PA

   Persons who wish to present oral testimony regarding these issues should contact Kathi Lynn, Director, Columbia and Montour County Area Agency of Aging, 702 Sawmill Road, Suite 201, Bloomsburg, PA 17815, [phone], fax [phone], [e-mail].

   The Department will also accept written testimony on these issues until December 17, 2004, from any interested parties who are unable to attend the public hearings or present testimony. Written testimony should be mailed to Dennis Hopkins, Director, Bureau of Program Integrity, Department of Aging, 555 Walnut St., 5th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101-1919.

NORA DOWN EISENHOWER,   
Secretary

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 04-1957. Filed for public inspection October 29, 2004, 9:00 a.m.]