Renovo Moves Toward Water & Sewage Merger, Secures $400K Grant for Road Repairs
By Kevin Rauch
RENOVO – At Wednesday’s monthly meeting, Renovo Council President Ann Tarantella updated the borough on the pending merger between area municipalities’ water and sewage authorities, a move that will streamline services for 4 area municipalities.
Currently the Western Clinton County Municipal Authority provides sewage to Renovo Borough, South Renovo Borough and Chapman Township residents. All three also have their own water departments as Renovo extends into Drury’s Run, providing those Noyes Township residents with water as well.
A merger between both water and sewage systems that would fall under the title of Western Clinton County Municipal Authority will provide both water and sewage to all residents and businesses.
Tarantella did not offer a timeline, but it is likely to happen this year. The council president said that plenty of details need to be worked out, including board representation and billing. One thing discussed was the ‘sticker shock’ of seeing one large bill.
Both water and sewage bills are sent each quarter and even though both bills need to be paid, seeing one large bill could seem a little more overwhelming, particularly to elderly residents. Explanations of things such as billing will be provided to everyone that the merger will affect as time draws near.
Council also discussed the very welcomed news of receiving a $400,000 Multimodal Transportation Fund grant under the Commonwealth Finance Authority, which manages the state’s economic stimulus programs. The funds will be used for the Delaware Avenue rehabilitation project, an issue that has long been on the wish list of things that they have wanted to get completed.
Delaware Avenue’s surface has deteriorated in large part due to its poor drainage. The drainage issues are so bad that water and ice often spill over onto RT 120. The back part of Delaware, often referred to as Drocton Hill, has occasionally been closed during winter months as several inches of ice make the road unpassable and even untreatable at its worst.
Council’s most recent numbers to repair all of Delaware came in at a cost of $640,597. They have a matching ARPA grant (covid related funding) that they have held onto in hope of receiving a larger grant such as the $400,000 that they can apply in addition. That fund contains approximately $140,000 which on its surface appears to cover the entire cost. However, any unforeseen issues, even a rise in equipment and material prices, could make the estimated $640.597 rise.
The borough does not have a date when they will receive the $400,000 grant so in the meantime, they will begin talking with engineers to make the project become a reality.
Jessica Kaiser attended the meeting on behalf of the Bucktail Booster Club. Kaiser explained that they are in the infancy stages of planning a Fun Run Color Run as a fundraiser and asked council for recommendations on where to hold the start and finish lines.
They offered several such places including the Flaming Foliage Lot along Main Street. The group hopes to have vendors and an open mic as well as awards. The event is to take place sometime this summer with a yet unknown date.
