Authority moves forward on SR19 sewer project; board votes to charge monthly fees after tap payments

The Neshannock Creek Watershed Joint Municipal Authority received an update on the SR19 South sewer project and took a policy vote on tap‑fee billing during its June 9 meeting.

Dan Goncz, appearing during the engineer's report, told the board that Springfield Township approved the necessary Pennvest guarantee on June 1, 2026, clearing a major administrative hurdle for the SR19 South project. He also said Pennvest guidance requires that replacements of three‑inch lines be carried out in a way that leaves the route ready for future upsizing toward Leesburg.

Board members also resolved a billing question for property owners who prepay for taps. After a question from property owner Susan Craft about whether monthly fees would begin before a physical connection, the board approved a motion, carried unanimously, “to have the Craft's pay the monthly fee once the tap fees have been paid regardless of whether they are using the sewer service or not.” The engineer said some parcels along SR19 South will require additional capacity work; accommodating one triangular parcel near the SR19 hotel and Route 180 would mean upgrading the pump station, installing larger pumps, and replacing the generator.

The authority directed staff to prepare cost estimates for capacity upgrades for prospective owners and to distribute the Pennvest fact sheet to affected property owners along SR19 South.