Authority OKs $4 million in contracts
LUZERNE TWP. – Township sewage authority officials Thursday approved three construction contracts for a $4 million sewage collection and treatment plant that will serve the state prison to open in East Millsboro. Authority officials awarded the three contracts to the lowest bidders for each of the project’s three phases.
John T. Subrick of Eighty Four was awarded a $299,075 contract for construction of the sewer collection system for the prison west to LaBelle, Shallenberger Construction Inc. of Connellsville won a $1,261,687 contract for construction of the sewer collection system for LaBelle, Dutch Hill and Maxwell, and KEC Inc. of East McKeesport was awarded a $3,832,000 contract to build the sewage treatment plant at Force Main and the pump station.
Engineer Ron Kuchar said the authority’s vote is pending approval of the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), the state Department of Corrections (DOC) and authority solicitor Jack Purcell. He said construction could begin in August, but that date is “optimistic.” He added that the project would be finished nine to 10 months from the start of construction.
Contract approval is pending the go-ahead from the RUS and DOC because RUS is providing a grant and loan for the project and the DOC’s new prison will be the authority’s largest initial customer and will pay for three-fourths of the project.
Authority chairman Robert Peton said the prison, which is expected to be open for prisoners in December or January, is using a temporary holding tank. He said sewage is transported and treated at Redstone Township.
Treasurer James Lent said about 170 homes in Dutch Hill, Maxwell and LaBelle also will be connected to the system.
Peton said no residents, regardless of their location, will tap in before the prison. He said tap-in fees are estimated at $800 and monthly fees at $35, but those costs are pending final approval by RUS on the closing date, Aug. 13.
Peton said the authority will schedule informational meetings for residents to discuss possible financial assistance or payment arrangements, but he urged residents to begin saving.
“I’ve been telling people to start a sewage fund. People don’t want to hear that, but I don’t want them to be shocked when the time comes to pay,” he said.