PA. WATERLINES Grant to help utility project

A study will determine the number nf residents eligible for water grants.
By MARY GRZEBIENIAK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
HILLSVILLE, Pa. -- Mahoning Township residents will get state help in paying for waterlines.
The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development notified the township it will receive $198,000 in a Community Development Block Grant for service lines to low- and moderate-income households.
The money is for the first phase of the project from the state line to old Route 224. It cannot be used for the $750 tap-in fee required by all users, according to Supervisor Gary Pezzuolo.
Supervisors reminded residents that Marcie Romano, who was hired at a previous meeting, is picking up sewer surveys that were mailed to Edinburg residents.
Romano said that questions on the survey about how well septic tanks are functioning are not designed to catch residents with faulty systems.
Purpose of survey: She said the survey is meant to determine the need for sewer lines in the area. The greater the need, the more money will be available, ultimately making the cost of the sewer system less for residents, Supervisor Poncho Exposito said. Those who do not return their surveys will be visited.
Romano is also conducting a study to determine the number of residents eligible for water grants and collecting waterline tap-in applications for eventual extension of waterlines there.
Playground equipment: Supervisors said playground equipment for the old Hillsville Elementary School property on West Main Street is expected to be delivered in a few weeks.
C.D. Ambrosia Trucking Co. donated $6,750 for the equipment, and Carmen Ambrosia, president of the company, is leasing the property to supervisors for $1 for 10 years.
Pezzuolo said that if citizens want to organize a nonprofit committee, supervisors would turn over the playground at the old Edinburg school to it for improvements.
Other business: Pezzuolo also reassured residents that damage done to their properties by waterline installation will be repaired. He said the properties were filmed before the project started and must be restored to their original condition.
Supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance that clarifies language on junk cars. It requires removal, repair or alteration of vehicles presenting a danger or nuisance and prescribes penalties for violation.
Supervisors also said they have sent a letter to BFI asking for a meeting.
The township wants the trash hauler to pay the township per ton of out-of-state trash hauled into the company's Carbon Limestone landfill.
Exposito noted that BFI is increasing the daily tonnage being hauled in and the money would be used to repair wear on township roads.