2113 Redesignation of area agency on aging for Union and Snyder Counties; notice of intent and public hearings

DEPARTMENT OF AGING

Redesignation of Area Agency on Aging for Union and Snyder Counties; Notice of Intent and Public Hearings

[33 Pa.B. 5425]

   The Secretary of the Department of Aging (Department), under 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 6 Pa. Code Chapter 30 (relating to the designation and redesignation of area agencies on aging), intends to redesignate an area agency on aging for planning and service area (PSA) Number 17, which has the same boundaries as Union and Snyder Counties.

   On September 26, 2003, the Department received a formal request from the Boards of Commissioners of Union and Snyder 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 concerned parties. This notice of intent to redesignate the area agency on 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, implementing the Older Americans Act, and 6 Pa. Code Chapter 30 to hold public hearings on this proposed action. Accordingly, the Department will hold public hearings in Union and in Snyder Counties to provide interested parties an opportunity to present testimony regarding the following issues:

   --  The effectiveness of services for older persons currently being provided under the administration of the area agency on aging.

   --  The basis for naming a new nonprofit agency to administer those services.

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

   --  The potential positive and negative effects of redesignation on service agency personnel, service consumers and service costs and quality.

Public hearings will be held as follows:

Tuesday, December 2, 2003 (Union County)
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Lewisburg Senior Center
116 North Second Street
Lewisburg, PA 17837
 
Tuesday, December 2, 2003 (Snyder County)
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Selinsgrove Senior Center
8 North Waters Street
Selinsgrove, PA 17870

   Persons who wish to present oral testimony regarding these issues should contact Farida Zaid, Director, Union/Snyder County Area Agency on Aging, 116 North Second Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837, [phone], fax [phone], [e-mail].

   The Department will also accept written testimony on these issues until Friday, December 12, 2003, from interested parties who are unable to attend the public hearings or present testimony. Written testimony should be mailed to R. Dan Ainscough, Director, Bureau of Contracts and Management, Department of Aging, 555 Walnut Street, 5th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101-1919.

NORA DOWD EISENHOWER,   
Secretary

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 03-2113. Filed for public inspection October 31, 2003, 9:00 a.m.]