Oct 14, 2014 3 min read

The deadline for applying for grants through the Washington County Local Share Account from gaming funds is Oct. 15, and Peters Township wasted no time in applying for money, including supporting requests for funds from the two sanitary authorities that cover the township, and for the restoration of Canonsburg Lake, a portion of which lies within the township.

Previously, council agreed to apply for funding for a proposed new amphitheater in Peterswood Park.

On Oct. 13, council members voted unanimously to sponsor a request from the Peters Creek Sanitary Authority for a $122,500 grant to help fund a sewer replacement project on McCombs Road that includes installing a larger sewer line and to relocating a portion of the existing line.

Council also unanimously voted to sponsor a request from the Peters Township Sanitary Authority for a $3 million grant to help fund a proposed $25.6 million project for a new sewage treatment plant to serve Donaldson’s Crossroads and surrounding residential developments. If approved, Michael Silvestri, township manager, said the money would be dispersed over three years with the township’s contribution at $10,000 per year. Councilwoman Monica Merrell, who represents a portion of the township covered by the Peters Creek Sanitary Authority, said she was concerned the township’s contribution for the Peters Township Sanitary Authority would be paid by every taxpayer and not just those in the Peters Township Sanitary Authority.

If the grant is not obtained, the township would not contribute funds.

As for both sewer projects, Paul Lauer, assistant township manager, said users will see rate increases. Silvestri added that estimates call for a 20-25 percent rate increase for those in the Peters Township Sanitary Authority.

Additionally, council voted to sponsor a request by the Canonsburg Lake Restoration Association for a portion of the Local Share grants, even though the township’s request for money for the amphitheater will be in direct competition. Previously, the township gave the association $100,000 for lake restoration.

Councilwoman Megan Jones-Rolla was absent.

In other action Oct. 13, Council:

• Granted an extension for paving in Hamlet of Springdale with the wearing coat in phase II until June 30, and permission to pave in phase III past Nov. 1.

• Granted permission to the high school cheerleaders to place signs at various township locations for an upcoming pancake breakfast. No date was given for the breakfast.

• Granted a subdivision of a .7-acre lot in the Simmons Plan on Justabout Road.

• Appointed Edward Rafferty as the school district’s representative on the township’s Parks and Recreation Board that will expire January 2016.

• Agreed to sell a used fire truck to the Braddock Hills fire department for $20,000.

• Agreed to demolish a house at 824 Old Washington Road once three quotes are received. The property was sold at a county sale recently to developer Woody Welch, who told council he will not receive the deed until January. The township will pay for demolition with Welch agreeing to reimburse the township.