SEBCO Pool grant moves forward
Work to fund the $1.1 million upgrade to SEBCO Pool in Jefferson Township’s Laura J. Doerr Memorial Park is moving forward.
Former Gov. Tom Wolf announced in September that $555,000 of a large Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant was earmarked for the project.
The catch is that Jefferson Township must match that amount for the township to receive the grant.
County commissioners announced Wednesday that they will administer the grant through Lance Welliver, the county director of parks and recreation.
Leo Rosenbauer, township manager, said he is continuing to work on coming up with the $555,000 match and has not decided if it will be through loans, fundraising, another grant or in other ways.
He said money will be available in next year’s budget to help fund the match.
The project will replace the pool’s mechanical system, water heater and liner, and replace the pool deck and waterslide.
Rosenbauer said the upgrades are important.
“We serve not only Jefferson Township residents, but the entire southeastern portion of the county,” he said of the pool.
Greg Bauer, president of the SEBCO Pool board, said there is no request or requirement at this point for funds from the pool budget or its board members.
He and Rosenbauer hope work can begin this fall.
“It all depends on if we get the (matching funds),” Bauer said. “I feel confident that this will go through.”
He stressed that the issue will not affect the pool this summer.
Welliver said the township has three years to obtain matching funds, as the grant expires Jan. 1, 2026.
His next steps are securing an agreement with a consultant for the repairs, then completing a few DCNR documents that are required in the grant process.
Welliver also hopes to see work begin in September.
“Our goal is to not disrupt their pool season,” Welliver said.
He agreed the upgrades to the pool are important.
“It’s a much-needed improvement to their pool, which is a vital part of their community along with the park,” he said.
