Committee moves to hire solicitor, advance NPWA interconnect permitting and easements

The Collegeville–Trappe Joint Public Works Department on May 26 authorized the director and two borough managers to retain outside counsel to advise on financing options for the NPWA interconnect project and related legal structure.

Mrs. Gustafson moved to authorize the director and the two borough managers to move forward and engage a solicitor; Mr. Borrelli seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The finance committee had recommended using an authority to finance the NPWA interconnect project and to hire a solicitor who specializes in authorities to assess the boroughs' current structure and provide input.

Entech Engineering's Matt Boggs told the committee a DEP pre-application meeting on May 13 covered waterways crossing and erosion and sediment control for the NPWA Interconnect project. Boggs said he is soliciting proposals and schedules for vertical boring to determine the material directional drillers will encounter; that information is needed for the permit application he anticipates filing in June. He also reported he has met with homeowners whose easements will be required and will work with them over the coming months to secure those easements.

Mrs. Gustafson said she has begun contacting state and federal representatives to explore grant opportunities that could help fund the interconnect work. Trappe Councilman Mr. Strauss spoke during public input and said he supported hiring a solicitor with authority experience.

The board took no formal financing action beyond authorizing engagement of counsel; next steps identified in the meeting include soliciting boring proposals, completing easement negotiations, and obtaining solicitor guidance on forming or using an authority for financing.