Carbon County planners discussed a few items regarding state and county projects currently in the works.

During the county planning commission's monthly meeting, Ivan O. Meixell, county planner, outlined three reports he received for review. No action was needed by the group on these reviews.Meixell said the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Economic Development is preparing its 2015 state land use and growth management report and asked for input on the county-level statistics.The report covers how the amount of subdivision/land development activity compared in 2014 to 2013 and 2010. In Carbon, Meixell said that it had dropped over that period from 54 in 2010 to 44 in 2013 to 38 last year.It also asked about information regarding municipal subdivision and zoning ordinances and obstacles in updating these ordinances.Meixell said that 35 percent of the 23 municipalities updated their subdivision ordinances between 2005 and 2015 and that obstacles in doing so included the lack of funds available; and consultants using the same templates for updating everything instead of updating ordinances based on the needs of the particular municipality.On the second review, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is requesting a letter of support for its attempt in applying for $152,715 under the 2015 National Dam Safety Program grant.Meixell read his letter of support, which said that the grant would "greatly assist DEP to promote research and training for dam safety inspectors" and "reduce the likelihood of dam failures."He also said that Lehighton asked for a letter support to include in its application requesting $250,000 through the DCED Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program grant. The money would be used to help fund improvements at Baer Memorial Park. This phase of the project includes constructing two new basketball courts at the park.David Bodnar, Carbon County Planning and Development director, spoke about a long-range transportation plan that his office is currently working on.The goal of the plan is to look at transportation over the next 25 years and he noted that it appears replacing current infrastructure is the top priority, with focus on areas that support tourism and hospitality coming into play.He asked the board if they can discuss the matter and provide any suggestions at its next meeting so that their ideas could be included in future discussions.He said the plan looks at all things transportation, from rail lines to trails to industrial zones and commercial and residential areas.No action was taken by the planning commission at this time.