Published Tuesday, March 4, 2003
$588,150
Herald Staff Writer
Sharpsville and Hermitage have gotten a little financial help from the federal government to repair and expand their sewer systems.
U.S. Rep. Phil English, Erie, R-3rd District, presented money to officials of the municipalities on Monday. Hermitage's $486,000 check will go toward sewer-extension projects on South Darby Road, Daniel Drive and Mercer Avenue. Sharpsville's $102,150 check will cover upgrades to sewer lines on Twitmeyer Avenue and possibly Covert Avenue.
The sewer project costs total about $855,000 in Hermitage and $250,000 in Sharpsville. The upgrades will help prevent sewage overflowing into the environment.
Many federal mandates to improve sewer systems are tough burdens for small communities to bear.
"I think it's unfair for a community like Sharpsville to carry the burden itself," English said.
English said news of rising sewer costs have concerned people in many communities. Most municipalities have older sewer systems that need to be upgraded, he said, not only to meet federal requirements but also to attract new development. He said money is available in the federal budget to help such communities.
"The federal government needs to play a role," English said. "Hermitage and Sharpsville have to deal with rising sewer costs and damaged septic systems."
But residents with fixed incomes may have trouble handling higher sewer fees and tax increases. English said the money will not only help repair the sewers, it will also help to bring back local tax dollars.
Hermitage City Manager Gary Hinkson and Sharpsville Mayor Kenneth Robertson thanked English for the money on behalf of their communities.
Hermitage commissioners will seek bids for the city's sewer project in the summer, with construction to begin in the fall, said Tom Darby, superintendent of the water pollution control department.
Sharpsville's project will begin as soon as the contracts are awarded, said Borough Manager Mike Wilson.