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Work to begin at state line on $19.5M sewer project
By Mary Grzebieniak
NEW CASTLE
Sewer-line and pump-station construction will start at the state line and proceed eastward, Mahoning Township Supervisor Gary Pezzuolo said at Tuesday’s supervisors meeting.
Several residents asked how much help will be available toward paying the tap-in fee and how much the monthly fee will be, but supervisors said it is too early to tell. When the project is further along, information will be made available to residents, they said.
The $19.5 million sewer project will be done in two phases. It will start in Hillsville and the section of Edinburg south of U.S. Route 224. The portion of Edinburg north of 224 will be done later.
The project was split to give supervisors time while they wait for word on whether Indianapolis- based Centaur LLC will build the Valley View Downs harness-racing track and casino on land near U.S. Route 422 and Pa. Route 551.
If the track is built, the project stands to receive $8 million in grant money for the sewer because the project will create jobs.
The project is stalled while Centaur, which is in bankruptcy, tries to find new financing for the project after the original lenders pulled out.
Also Tuesday, supervisors agreed to put a stop sign at West Main Street and a BFI haul road. Residents have complained that the intersection is hazardous, and at least one fatal accident has occurred there.
Supervisors also agreed to sell PennDOT township-owned land that is in the right of way for the U.S. Route 224 bridge over the Mahoning River. The bridge is soon to be replaced. The selling price is $9,500.