Dirt-moving machines may be seen at Knoch Stadium in the near future if permits are received as expected from the county and Jefferson Township.

John Pappas, construction manager on the $35 million high school and stadium renovation project, gave the Knoch school board an update on the progress of the project to renovate and install turf at the stadium.

No home games can be held on the field this year due to the project, so all games are being played at opponents’ fields.

Pappas said he is waiting for final permitting from the county Conservation District and Jefferson Township supervisors.

“Once the Conservation District permit is approved, we can start moving dirt,” Pappas said.

He expects the county permit to arrive next week.

Pappas said he also expects township supervisors to vote to approve the district’s stormwater plan for the project at their Monday night meeting.

He also updated the board on the plan to relocate the scoreboard, which will cost $39,500.

Pappas told the board the estimated cost to install an artificial surface on the field has increased from just over $1 million to $1.6 million to $1.7 million due in part to stormwater management issues that must be rectified.

The exact cost should be available at next week’s board meeting, he said.

Superintendent David Foley told the board that a portion of the increase is a result of work that was planned for later completion being moved up to the initial stages of the project.

He said the expenses would have occurred later if the original plan had been followed, but it is more feasible to complete the work now.

The board will hear an update on the renovation of the high school’s interior at next Wednesday’s school board meeting, when DRAW Collective architects will give a presentation.