DEFIANCE — Broad Top Township has received a $214,500 grant that will aid the municipality in the completion of acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment system in the Langdondale area.
The announcement was made during the township supervisors’ regular monthly meeting held recently in the municipal building in Defiance.
Chairman Donnie Hedge Jr. informed fellow supervisors that the grant was received from the state Department Environmental Protection (DEP) and would be used to complete the Langdondale area project.
It was also learned that the township had seven flood-related projects of which only one remains involving administrative costs. The funds came from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) covering damages caused in the township by Hurricane Ida in 2021.
Hedge reported that municipal workers were involved in numerous projects over the past four weeks. The work involved a streambank stabilization project along Robertsdale’s Water Street, completion of the Valley Church Road project, highway crack sealing, blowing leaves and preparing township maintenance trucks for winter.
The roadmaster also announced that workers will be starting an improvement project for Liberty Township involving Clark Road.
Following up on a request from Hedge, the supervisors unanimously approved the replacement of the township’s older Mack trucks in hopes of acquiring a newer one through the Municibid Program.
Turning to the ongoing H&BT Rail Trail project, Hedge reported that a request for funding for the extension of the recreational trail from Red Cut to the Warriors Path State Park, near Saxton, was submitted to the Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission and PennDOT.
“We ranked first with Southern Alleghenies, but we are still waiting for PennDOT’s decision and award,” remarked Hedge. If the funding is approved, the trail work could begin early next year.
The supervisors approved two resolutions amending the state Act 537 plan that permits new development for sewage facilities involving two properties which on-lot systems need to be discontinued and switched over to the township’s existing sewer system.
In other matters, Hedge expressed disappointment with the Bedford County Election Office, noting that the office has twice printed township election ballots incorrectly.
As a result, the supervisors agreed to submit a letter about the matter to the current Bedford County commissioners as well as new county commissioners who will take office in January 2024.
• Approved the renewal of the township’s mine operators license which is necessary to continue AMD work in the municipality.
• Granted a connection of a double-wide mobile home into the township’s wastewater collection and treatment system. It was noted that an easement will be required for the maintenance work. The property owner had been relying on an on-lot system which is failing, Hedge said.
• Approved a request from the Round Knob Church for the use of the former Defiance Elementary School gymnasium (the former school is now owned by the township) on Dec. 15-16 for a community event.
• Approved a health insurance policy through the Pennsylvania Municipal Health Insurance Cooperative in the amount of $701.32/single and $1,617.48/family.
