Feb 4, 2003 By Josh Krysak 3 min read

WHARTON – During a brief session Monday, the township supervisors heard from Dick Dennis, chairman of the National Pike Water Authority, about installing new water lines in the township. Dennis told the supervisors that there is $42,000 available for the township for additional water lines through the PennStep program, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and that he wanted to solicit the help of the township to help provide labor.

Dennis said that the program, which is based upon the support and willingness of area residents to donate the labor for the projects, cuts costs for water-line installation by 60 to 70 percent.

He said that he has heard from interested residents along Hawes Road in Wharton Township, which is already part of the next phase of the National Pike Water project, scheduled for construction this year.

Dennis’ proposal would extend a water line one-mile along Hawes Road to customers and would tap into already existing wells.

The new customers would pay a $1,000 tap-in fee that would help cover costs of installation and after the project was complete, the water authority would begin to collect monthly rates from the residents for usage. Dennis said that the funding for the project would come straight to the township from PennStep and that they would only have to provide equipment and other necessities for the project, as well as assume liability.

“It is not without liability. It is not without risk. But I think it is a worth project,” he said.

According to Dennis, the township could expect $15,000 of the $42,000 for the project, as he is proposing other projects in other areas for the remaining money. He said that he is in the process of evaluating the project and will submit an application to PennStep for approval soon. He said that if the township agrees to the project, pre-approval would allow for quicker installation. Dennis said that installation could start as early as May.

Solicitor Denise Simon told Dennis that she was concerned about the township’s liability for the project and that the township’s general funds might take a fiscal hit. She said that she was troubled by the role the township would play.

“The township would be working as a contractor…the township would take on the color of a business,” Simon said.

Township Supervisor Jack Lewis said that the supervisors would review the project, but a lot of areas need clarification before any action.

The supervisors also approved a resolution giving the National Pike Water Authority permission to install water lines in the township rights of way.

Dennis told the supervisors that the proposed installation for the next phase of the overall National Pike Water project would include installation along township rights of way on Hawes, Marker and Old Dinner Bell roads.

Supervisor Jim Means said that he expected work to begin on the new lines sometime in April.