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Derry asked to help fund road project

Township wants to wait to make final decision

YEAGERTOWN — A multimodal grant between municipalities and organizations was discussed at the Derry Township Supervisors meeting Monday night.

Scott Welham, Lewistown Borough manager, said he wanted to check in with the supervisors to see if they had made a decision or discussed his previous proposal.

“We were here last month and proposed this road improvement project,” Welham said. “I also wanted to give you an update on where we are.”

He said since the last meeting of the supervisors, himself and Lucas Parkes, of the EADS Group, spoke with the Mifflin County School District and Geisinger. Welham explained that he asked the district and the hospital each for $150,000 for the project.

“I am hoping you will consider my initial proposal,” he said.

At the May meeting Welham had asked the township for $50,000 for the project. The project would improve Kishacoquillas Drive, South Dorcas Street and portions of Green Avenue in the borough of Lewistown. Welham said the project is costly, which is why the borough is trying to apply for the grant.

“We will have more success in getting the grant if more organizations participate,” he said.

Welham also said Geisinger pledged the full $150,000 toward the project.

Vice Chairman Ron Napikoski said the board of supervisors have discussed the project and he is unsure the township can afford what the borough is asking, even though the money would not be needed until 2019.

“Its a big commitment,” he said.

John McCullough, chairman, said he is not unsympathetic to the borough and what they are trying to do, but asked if the borough would help them if they asked.

“I mean we have the same problems, but they are our problems,” he said.

Welham said he is sympathetic to the township’s problems, however, he said there is not much the borough could do.

“It is hard for me to want to help when it’s not our problem,” McCullough said.

After the discussion, the supervisors said they will wait until the school district makes their decision before committing to give any money.

“If you asked for a vote tonight, I believe we would vote ‘no,'” Napikoski said.

The supervisors are expected to make their final decision at the July 3 meeting.

Also during the meeting, the supervisors opened four paving bids for Holiday Lane. After all the bids were opened, the supervisors awarded the bid to HRI, who bid $29,803.

The Derry Township Board of Supervisors meets at 5:30 p.m. the first and third Monday of each month at the township building.

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