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Pocono Township directs engineer to prepare DCED grant paperwork for Staten Road bridge repair or replacement
Summary
Township engineers presented two options — a $138,000 priority repair or a $2.8 million replacement — and the board voted to direct staff to prepare grant paperwork for a DCED multimodal application (deadline July 31) and bring resolutions to the next meeting.
Pocono Township commissioners directed township staff to prepare grant applications and resolutions seeking state funding to either repair or replace the Staten Road bridge, which PennDOT has classified as a priority 1 structure.
The township’s engineer said DCED’s multimodal grant program can provide up to $3 million for infrastructure projects but requires a 30% local match. "This grant has to be submitted by 5PM, July 31," the engineer told the board, and staff presented two cost scenarios: an estimated $138,000 for prioritized repairs and about $2,800,000 for full replacement, which would carry an approximate $840,000 match requirement for the replacement option.
Why it matters: the bridge carries local traffic and emergency responders, and commissioners noted past instances in which bridge outages forced long detours. PennDOT’s Priority 1 designation means the agency expects plans and a schedule for corrective action, and an extended failure could prompt closure. Several residents urged immediate action; one said simply, "Just get it fixed." The board debated whether to pursue repair or replacement now, the grant application risks and the practicalities of assembling matching funds.
What the board decided: after public comment and discussion about timing and cost, commissioners voted to amend the agenda to allow consideration of the grant and then directed the township engineer to prepare both repair and replacement grant paperwork and draft resolutions for adoption at the next board meeting so the township would be ready if it proceeds with the application.
Next steps: staff will prepare required narratives, photos and inspection reports for both scenarios and present two draft resolutions at the next meeting; the board can change course before adopting a final resolution to submit any grant application.
