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Point Marion seeking funds for water line project

By Rebekah Sungala 3 min read

POINT MARION – During Wednesday’s meeting, borough council announced they are entering the final stages of applying for a 40-year federal loan to replace 60 percent of the borough’s water lines. Borough manager Art Strimel, who serves as both secretary and treasurer, said the borough is proceeding with the application and expects to have it completed within three to five months.

The loan will come from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Utility Services (RUS).

Strimel said council has been working on the loan application for the last two years.

During a public meeting in 2004, borough engineer Steve Buchanan said residents could expect to see about a $6 increase in their water bills to pay for the cost of replacing the waterlines.

At that time, cost for all replacement work – construction, design, inspection, interest and legal fees – was estimated at $1.25 million.

The borough looked at two funding options to pay for the project, both 40-year-loans, looking to obtain money from the RUS or the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).

Borrowing money from RUS instead of PENNVEST saved residents about $7 a month. Water bills were estimated to be about $36 per month if the borough borrowed money from RUS, as opposed to $44 a month if the borough received a loan from PENNVEST.

Strimel said the exact cost of replacing the waterlines is not yet known; however, he said the waterlines must be replaced.

“Most of the pipes in the borough we are replacing are close to 100 years old,” he said. “With all the breaks and leaks we’ve had lately, it’s a very necessary project.”

If the loan application goes smoothly, Strimel said the borough will probably be able to begin the bidding process for the project in about six months. Contractors will do all of the work, he said.

As for other business, council announced construction of the walking trail will begin Aug. 1.

The walking trail will be about a half-mile in circumference, circling the borough’s park, and will link up with the Sheepskin Trail.

Council also announced the boat docks to be installed along the banks of the Monongahela River near the park should arrive by next week. Council purchased the 8-foot by 20-foot assembled docks from Follansbee Dock Systems of West Virginia for $46,683. The dock will be 160 in length once connected.

In an unrelated matter, council voted Wednesday to purchase a pick-up truck for borough use from Point Marion Ford at a cost of $3,200.

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