FT Sewer Project May Cost
Less Than Originally Planned

By ANNE HOLLIDAY
WESB/WBRR News Director


Foster Township’s sewer line project could cost about a million dollars less than originally planned.

“We’ve taken what was thought to be a 5, 6 million dollar project and … I think it’s about 4.4 million,” said new township engineer Harold Bloomgren of Northwest Engineering. “That’s a little easier to handle.”

Bloomgren attended Monday’s Foster Township supervisors meeting and gave a report on the updated Act 537 Plan. Northwest has taken over engineering duties from E&M Engineers after a mistake by E&M cost the township a low interest PENNVEST loan.

E&M’s insurance company is currently considering an “errors and omissions” claim so the township can get its money back.

The new plan developed by Northwest calls for using low pressure sewer lines with grinder pumps instead of gravity lines.

The actual cost to township residents will depend on if funding comes from PENNVEST or Rural Utility Service, and the terms of the loans and/or grants.

Another factor is the proposed upgrade to the sewage treatment plant, and what percentage Foster Township residents would have to pay for that.

Also Monday, supervisors approved a traffic study at the Foster Brook intersection, which is a prerequisite to putting a left turn arrow on the traffic signals. The arrow would be for motorists turning from East Main Street to Derrick Road.

Road superintendent Mike Fox noted that his crew only had to sand and plow three times in March, but they’ve been keeping busy by patching potholes and sweeping all township roads.

On a related note, Harrisburg Run resident Justin Hallock asked if a “Caution: Children at Play” sign could be put up because of the increase in oil field traffic. Fox said his crews will do that.

Code enforcement officer Jim Robinson said he received seven new complaints last month and almost everyone has been easy to deal with. He did say, because of the person who wasn’t, he got to issue his first citation.

He said one person told him, “I was expecting someone to come soon.” That person has promised to bring his property into compliance.

“People just need a little bit of prodding, I think,” Robinson said.

South Kendall Avenue resident Barb Price who, over the last several years, has been critical of the township’s code enforcement efforts said, “It’s getting there.”

Also Monday, supervisors reminded residents that Spring Cleanup is May 12. This year they will be accepting tires. Car tires will be $2 each; truck and SUV tires will be $4 each.

“That way they’re not ending up in the creek,” said supervisor Dale Phillips.

And, Supervisor Chairman Jim Connelly Jr. welcomed Tractor Supply Co. to the Bradford Mall. The store is scheduled to open Saturday.

Pictured, Bradford Area High School 9th-grader Kyle Petitt (center) receives a certificate from John Sullivan and Jim Connelly Jr. during the supervisors' meeting. Kyle is interested in the inner-workings of government, and was recognized as part of World Autism Day. Area businesses and organizations -- including the Bradford Area School District, Beacon Light, car dealerships and WESB and The Hero -- joined in the "Light it Up Blue" project to shine a light on autism.
WESB Photo

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