Brush Creek Water Pollution Control Facility in Cranberry Township. Butler Eagle File Photo

CRANBERRY TWP — Township supervisors are preparing to execute financial agreements for major upgrades at the Brush Creek Treatment Plant.

Earlier this week, officials received bids for several portions of the solids handling project that came in 20% higher than expected, according to Michael Malak, the township’s Director of Engineering and Environmental Services.

“We were estimating something closer to a $35 million project all in,” township manager Dan Santoro said. “We’re closer to a $42 million project all in.”

At a meeting on Thursday, supervisors will be asked to consider an ordinance authorizing the issuance of guaranteed revenue notes for $35,960,000, in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Unit Debt Act.

That act outlines guidelines for municipalities to borrow money through debt instruments like bonds or tax anticipation notes.

Along with a multimillion dollar PennVEST loan, township officials have secured other sources of funding for the project.

Those include a $5 million grant through the Environmental Protection Agency and a $1.75 million grant from the H20 PA Act, which provides multiyear grants to assist with the construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer projects.

Additionally, the township will receive about $6.3 million from the Marshall Township Municipal Sanitary Authority as part of an intermunicipal service agreement.

Officials will seek additional funding options to make up what’s not covered with the loan or grants.

“We’ll have to find a way to make up that difference in the budget, find an additional $6 million or borrow the funds to do that,” Santoro said.

During Thursday’s meeting, supervisors will consider a $1,333,075 contract with GHD for construction management and inspection services.

A $861,540 contract with GHD for engineering services will also be up for consideration.

Staff members are set to review and tabulate bids for contract recommendations regarding a general contractor and HVAC, plumbing and electrical work.

Those contract awards are also scheduled to be awarded at Thursday’s meeting.