The Monroe County commissioners adopted a resolution last week to issue debt for certain capital projects not exceed $5 million.

John Christy, the chairman of the commissioners, explained that the resolution was made, because the commissioners anticipate needing additional funding for projects that are out to bid.

“This allows us to fund previous expenditure for capital expenses,” he said.

One of the upcoming projects is the parking deck, Christy said. It needs some work done on it.

The commissioners also approved a recommendation by Arro Consulting Inc. for the replacement of a water tank at the Monroe County Correctional Facility bid. They will install either two 125,000 gallon standpipe tanks or one 250,000 gallon elevated water tank.

And lastly, they approved paying for two programs from the Opioid Settlement Funding. One of these programs is for treatment and other related eligible services to the Carbon, Monroe, Pike Drug and Alcohol Commission for $75,000. The other is to the American Program Bureau Inc. in the amount of $80,000 for presentations.

Christy said the presentation will be for students at the high schools in Monroe County and East Stroudsburg University, as well as a public presentation from a star athlete about his battle with opioid addiction.

Part of the county’s drug awareness campaign has been public service billboards throughout Carbon, Monroe and Pike counties educating people on the dangers of fentanyl. The awareness campaign has been funded with money from the opioid settlement.

“We have been getting a positive response on our awareness program,” Christy said.