Marion Township’s $4.2M sewer project to start Aug. 21
MARION TWP — Supervisors learned that horizontal drilling, the first phase of the $4.2 million sewer project in the township, will begin Monday, Aug. 21.
During the supervisors’ meeting Monday, Aug. 14, Dave Neill, project manager at EADS Group in Clarion, outlined the three aspects of the project: collection system, treatment plant and electrical system.
A meeting followed Tuesday to review and finalize coordination among Mortimer’s Excavating of Pulaski, Lawrence County; Bison Construction of Fairmount City, Clarion County; and Right Electric of Butler along with representatives from the utility companies.
In 2022, Butler County commissioners awarded a $2.2 million sewer plant construction contract to Bison Construction, a $1.2 million contract to install sewer collection lines to Mortimer’s Excavating, a $475,196 contract to provide 87 grinder pumps, pump housings and lateral service lines that will be installed at some homes to Trombold Equipment Co. (Tepco) of Mars, and a $265,000 contract for electric service installation to Right Electric of Butler.
On Monday, Jason McBride, supervisors chairman, said more than 111 homes in the Boyers area of the township will benefit from the project. According to Michelle Burd, township secretary, less than 10 easements remain to be finalized with area residents.
The township’s financial responsibility for the $4.2 million project is $350,000 in engineering and legal fees.
After exploring financing options with area lenders, the township chose First National Bank and authorized McBride and treasurer Judy Stoops to secure the loan. The 25-year loan will have a 5.14% interest rate that will be fixed for 10 years. The monthly payment for the township will be $2,078.
Financing for a new water reservoir with an approximately 110,000 gallon capacity has been finalized.
According to Wendy Leslie, Butler County Community Development Block Grant coordinator, the township has two years of funding from the grant program totaling $570,000 for the water reservoir project.
The township’s financial obligation will be for engineering and legal fees. Placement of the new reservoir and site preparation were discussed.
The next township meeting is at 5 p.m. Sept. 11 at the township building.
Town Crier –Marion Township
The following actions were taken at the Marion Township meeting Monday, Aug. 14:
√ Variance requests for Kozy Rest Campground were approved. The variances pertain to lot area, setback, buffer requirements, fire protection and road design.
√ A letter of support describing the needs of the township was submitted with an application from Butler County to participate in the federal broadband infrastructure program. The $288 million program will build partnerships between states and internet service providers to expand internet access to areas without service.
√ A grant application to the state for an estimated $1.1 million to resurface Black Road was submitted. If awarded, the project would begin in early 2024.
√ Township authorized installing 25 mph speed limit signs on County Line Road.
