Suburban Board debates funding split for multimillion dollar water drain project

The Lock Haven City Council convened on April 17, 2023, to address several pressing issues, primarily focusing on infrastructure and financial responsibilities related to a multimillion-dollar project.

The meeting began with discussions surrounding the costs associated with a water drainage project. A representative from Suburban expressed concerns regarding the high price quoted by Henry's Asphalt, stating that the proposed $132 per unit was excessive for the work required. The subcommittee had previously reached a consensus on a resolution that aimed to find a middle ground in cost-sharing, but recent developments indicated a shift in expectations.

It was noted that there was a perception that Suburban was expected to cover all expenses, while the city would not provide any financial assistance. This led to a debate about the city's contributions, with some council members pointing out that the city had agreed to cover certain costs, thereby benefiting Suburban.

The crux of the discussion centered on who would bear the costs for relocating infrastructure, specifically a 300-foot stretch of water drain. The council referenced practices from PennDOT, where costs are typically shared based on the location of infrastructure. In such cases, if the infrastructure is within PennDOT's right-of-way, they cover 75% of the relocation costs, leaving the utility responsible for 25%.

The council's engineer, Ben Burns, supported this approach, suggesting that the authority responsible for the infrastructure should cover the relocation costs, while the municipality would handle final restoration expenses. However, the meeting highlighted a critical concern: the potential delay of the multimillion-dollar project due to unresolved financial negotiations.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that further discussions would be necessary to finalize the financial arrangements and ensure the timely progression of the project. The council acknowledged the urgency of reaching a resolution to avoid hindering the project's advancement.