Edinburg waterline is ready for hookups

Supervisors will check with PennDOT on the condition of a township bridge.
By MARY GRZEBIENIAK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
HILLSVILLE, Pa. -- The Edinburg waterline is finished, and residents must hook up to it within 90 days.
Mahoning Township Supervisor Poncho Exposito said when supervisors met Tuesday that the lines have been flushed and meters installed. Three residents have hooked up so far.
Residents must first come to the township building to pay the $750 tap-in fee. Community Development Block Grant money is available to help pay for the service line for those who meet low-to-moderate income guidelines. The waterline will serve about 110 homes, Exposito said.
Also Tuesday, Police Chief Jim Morris announced two new part-time patrolmen have been hired for the Northwest Lawrence County Regional Police Department, a joint effort of Mahoning and Pulaski townships. The new officers are Philip McCann of Pulaski and Justin Crum of North Beaver Township.
Bridge concerns
Exposito said supervisors plan to meet with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation officials to discuss the condition of the bridge on U.S. Route 224 over the Mahoning River. Resident Walter Patton sent supervisors a letter expressing concern about the span's deterioration.
Exposito said state officials have assured him it is safe and regularly inspected. The bridge was slated for replacement in 2020, but he said the project has been moved up.
He also said that a hearing on the proposed Bedford Downs racetrack in the township has been set for April 5 in Harrisburg.
Supervisors also agreed to increase pension contribution from 3 percent to 5 percent for the four road workers who belong to Teamsters Local 261. The increase was part of a contract agreement. Exposito said the increase will not cost the township anything because it will be reimbursed by the state.
The annual senior citizens luncheon will be April 28 at noon at the community center. Doors will open at 11 a.m. The luncheon is free, but those attending are asked to make reservations by calling (724) 667-8352.