Harrison sewer work addresses critical need in Natrona

Harrison officials are moving forward with a storm sewer project that has been deemed a critical concern.

The project will target 60-inch pipes along Garfield and Chestnut streets.

“Over the years, debris accumulation has reduced the capacity, likely compromising its integrity,” Township Manager Amy Rockwell said.

Work is expected to restore the sewer’s capacity and repair damage along 500 feet of lines.

“With recent infrastructure work by the county and railroad in the area, the timing is ideal to address this issue,” Rockwell said.

Harrison’s commissioners have sought funding for the project in recent years to help with budget constraints, she said.

This week, they were awarded about $317,600 through the Local Share Account program of the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

“We are excited to finally resolve this pressing need without impacting the township’s budget,” Rockwell said.

A schedule for the work on Garfield and Chestnut streets has not been finalized.

The grant to Harrison was among more than $5.3 million announced.

State Sen. Lindsey Williams, a Democrat whose district includes Harrison, said the funded projects were labeled as top priorities by community leaders. Grants will help ensure that residents have access to clean, safe water and improved public safety, she said.

Other grants awarded in the bundle include:

• $250,000 to Aspinwall, for its water system lead service line investigation project, which will determine the location of all private lead service lines in the borough’s distribution system.

• About $47,700 to Blawnox, for sidewalk/step repair along McKinley Avenue. Work will include aluminum railings and refacing the retaining wall.

• About $118,800 to the Deer Creek Drainage Basin Authority to repair 23 manholes in West Deer and Indiana Township. The manholes cause infiltration issues. They will be repaired using trenchless technology.

• About $61,000 to Frazer to buy a police vehicle.