By Joseph Bell

Record Staff Writer

Elk County's commissioners approved several applications yesterday morning at the Courthouse Annex.
The commissioners first discussed a Hazardous Material Response Fund Application and Grant Agreement.
According to the agenda, the amount requested is $7,138.17. The funds are used to enhance the county hazardous material safety program in the state fiscal year 2008-2009.
Elk County Commissioner Daniel R. Freeburg said the ongoing project is beneficial to all county residents. The board approved the agreement.
The board also allowed two county aid applications which includes a salt and anti-skid building for Spring Creek Township and a skid steer purchase for Johnsonburg Borough. According to Freeburg, both applications, which are for $8,000 apiece, will be funded through Liquid Fuels funds.
The commissioners also discussed service contract addendum agreements to several contracts already in place, including Blair Foundation, Altoona; Summit School, Pittsburgh; Christian Home of Johnstown, Johnstown; Adelphoi Village, Latrobe; Community Alternatives, New Castle; and Children's Center, Bradford.
According to Freeburg these pertain to youth service contracts which are addressed periodically.
Freeburg also discussed a recent grant for the Elk County Freshwater Association for $25,000. The grant is from the Stackpole-Hall Foundation.
"This is a grant that they've awarded to the freshwater association and we act as a recipient agency," Freeburg said. "We pass it on to the association and we've done this before."
The commissioners also approved a cooperation agreement with North Central Pa. Regional Planning and Development Commission.
According to the agenda, the county is authorized to accept funds from the Pa. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and North Central will administer and develop the North Central Greenways and Open Space Plan in the amount of $100,000.
Freeburg said the cooperation agreement is nothing new.
"This plan is going on and Matt Marusiak is spearheading this now on a regional level," Freeburg said. The board approved the cooperative agreement.
Finally, the commissioners also touched based on agreements for Human Services Development Fund (HSDF) between Elk County and other agencies.
The agencies include Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, Inc., Life and Independence for Today (LIFT), Community Nurses Home Health Support Services, Inc., Dickinson Mental Health Center, Inc., Citizens Against Physical, Sexual & Emotional Abuse, Inc., Ridgway Home Care, Helpmates, Inc., The Guidance Center and Office of Human Resources.
Freeburg said funds will be given to the agencies.
After approving the bills, the commissioners adjourned their meeting. They are scheduled to meet again on Tuesday, July 1, at 10 a.m. in Conference Room No. 2 of the Courthouse Annex.