COUNTY GOVERNMENT
AUTHORITIES, COMMISSIONS, SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Red Rose Transit Authority — Incorporated by the city and county in 1973, the Authority purchased the fixed routes of the Conestoga Transportation Company in 1976 and, since that time, has provided mass transportation services throughout the city and county. It administers Red Rose Access, a program that provides transportation for the elderly and those with special needs. The nine board members, appointed by the county commissioners, serve five-year terms.
Lancaster Airport Authority — Established in 1950, the Authority manages, maintains, and develops the airport facility. It has five members, two appointed by the county, two by the city, and one jointly, who serve five-year staggered terms.
Lancaster County Housing Authority — The Housing Authority was created in 1978 by the county commissioners and is governed by a five-member board of directors, appointed by the commissioners for five-year terms. This Authority administers the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program in the county, outside the City of Lancaster. The program assists families by paying a portion of their monthly rent, with eligibility based on income. Applications are generally taken during a specific period of time each year. The Authority is also implementing a Section 8 homeownership program which will enable eligible families to apply their rental assistance toward a monthly mortgage payment. Families can contact the Authority at 29 East King Street weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Telephone: 394-0793. Website: www.lchra.com
Lancaster County Redevelopment Authority — Created by the county commissioners in 1977, the Authority has a five-member board of directors appointed by the commissioners for five-year terms. The Authority assists local municipalities to improve neighborhoods, increase the supply of affordable rental housing, assist income-eligible homeowners to improve their properties, and to assist social service agencies in aiding low and moderate income families. The Authority is currently working with the commissioners to develop a Vacant Property Reinvestment Board to help local municipalities deal with vacant, blighted properties. It administers the Community Development Block Grant, the HOME Investment Partnership, and the Emergency Shelter Grant programs. It is located at 29 East King Street. Telephone: 394-0793. Website: www.lchra.com
Hospital Authority — The Authority is composed of seven persons serving staggered five-year terms. Its purpose is to facilitate financial arrangements, such as low-cost bond issues, for the county’s hospitals and nursing homes.
Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority— Under the leadership of a nine-member board of directors, appointed by the county commissioners, the Authority is responsible for managing the county’s solid waste and recyclable materials in an environmentally safe, reliable, and efficient manner. The Authority uses an integrated management system, which includes the Jack D. Lausch, Sr. Transfer Station, the Lancaster County Resource Recovery Facility, and the Frey Farm Landfill. It also offers a hazardous waste disposal center for county residents at its Harrisburg Pike facility.
The Lancaster County Solid Waste Citizens Advisory Committee — Appointed by the county commissioners, the Advisory Committee studies issues facing solid waste management and advises the Authority on how better to implement Lancaster County’s plan. It also provides an opportunity for public participation through several public meetings each year. There are 15 members, appointed annually.
Agricultural Preservation Board — In 1981, this nine-member board was established by the county commissioners as part of an effort to preserve the county’s farmland. The board’s primary task is to promote deed restrictions on prime agricultural lands. To date, more than 40,000 acres have been so restricted. Board members serve staggered three-year terms.
Lancaster County Conservation District — The District was organized in 1938, and is administered by a nine-member board of directors, appointed for four-year terms. The mission is to make all citizens aware of the interrelationship between human activities and the environment; to provide assistance for efforts to conserve natural resources; to develop and implement programs which promote the stewardship of natural resources; and to enlist and coordinate help from public and private sources to accomplish these goals.
Private Industry Council — The mission of the Council is to provide planning and oversight for the Job Training Partnership Act funds that are received by the county and administered by Lancaster Employment and Training Agency (LETA). The Council researches workforce needs and identifies barriers that might prevent residents from getting needed training and employment. A board of directors, consisting of 27 members serving staggered three-year terms, is appointed by the commissioners.