Township secures waterline grant, authorizes Kennan Drive engineering and scope adjustments

Salem Township supervisors on Jan. 21 acknowledged a $350,000 LSA grant for the Tucker Road waterline extension and discussed multiple water projects and financing constraints.

Supervisor Kerry Jobe said the township was notified of an award of about $340,000 for a waterline extension serving Apple and Tower Lanes, a project estimated at over $400,000, and that the Small Sewer and Water program covered the award. The board also acknowledged the $350,000 LSA award for Tucker Road and authorized the project scope to match that amount. Jobe explained the state controls grant reallocation and that moving funds between projects (for example from Tucker to Kennan) would be difficult.

The board approved a $12,000 proposal from Morris Knowles & Associates to provide engineering services for the Kennan Drive waterline extension. Supervisor Todd Paulich said the township plans to run a waterline from Kennan to Orrs using township equipment and hire two to three workers dedicated to the project; he estimated construction would take about three to four months from start. Residents from Kennan Drive, including Greg Bosich and Char Neiport, expressed concern that project cost estimates have risen substantially since 2015.

In a separate action, supervisors authorized reducing Bayt Development LLC’s Irrevocable Letter of Credit for the Salem Ridge subdivision after the township engineer (Victor P. Regola & Associates, Inc.) confirmed quantities and sewer testing; the ILOC was reduced from $352,368.19 to $230,642.04.

Supervisors noted the township is not funding full project costs and will continue to seek grants and manage scope. The Kennan Drive project still has unresolved questions about mandatory connections for residents and low starting water pressure.