Chapman Township Asks School Board to Petition PennDOT via Lawmakers for Responsibility of Bucktail Bridge

By Christopher Miller

BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP – Chapman Township Supervisors have asked for the school board’s assistance in petitioning PennDOT to assume responsibility for the Bucktail Bridge in Farwell.

“The township is asking for us to send a letter to State Senator Cris Dush and State Representative Stephanie Borowicz’s offices requesting their help to petition PennDOT to assume responsibility for the bridge,” school board member Butch Knauff.

According to the letter, the bridge is currently the responsibility of Chapman Township to maintain, however the bridge not only serves the community but the entire region for the neighborhood of Farwell and the sporting events and programs at Bucktail Middle/High School and Renovo Elementary School.

“While the bridge serves the region, it is the sole financial responsibility of Chapman Township and our fewer than 1,000 residents. The burden of maintaining this critical piece of infrastructure for the benefit of the entire area is not sustainable for a municipality of our size,” the letter from Chapman Township Supervisors says.

“The last round of bridge repairs exceeded $1 million dollars and required the township to raise taxes on our already stretched taxpayers. We fear future costs of similar or greater magnitude. This is a school access bridge that serves a public function far beyond our jurisdiction. We believe its long-term maintenance and repairs should fall under the purview of the state.”

Also according to the letter, PennDOT currently controls four other bridges connected to Chapman Township roads.

“This would ensure continued safe access to our schools without forcing a disproportionate financial burden on our community,” the letter states.

All board members voted in favor of sending letters in support to local legislators.