A partial wall reconstruction project in Leechburg is progressing.

Portions of the 260-foot-long wall along the borough’s Third Street are collapsing. Plans call for about 150 feet of the wall to be replaced in a project that is expected to cost more than $216,000.

Council on Wednesday awarded a contract for the work to low bidder Holbein Inc. of Buffalo Township. Five other companies bid for the contract.

The project, first proposed in 2015, is being paid for with a PennDOT grant totaling $165,000, while Armstrong County is providing $25,000 and the borough is providing about $27,000.

The project is expected to take about three months.

Borough engineer Shane Michael said trees have been removed, a gas line is being relocated, trenching has been completed and stumps have been ground.

Councilwoman Lorrie Bazella expressed concern about paying the borough’s share.

“I’m nervous for us to start this and turn around and see we have more of an expense than we expected,” Bazella said. “I’m worried about our budget, that’s all. We’re on a tight budget.”

Council President Tom Foster said Third Street must remain open during construction to allow for emergency vehicle access.

In other news

• Mayor Wayne Dobos announced he is seeking funding for a new gravel boat launch along the Kiski River in Riverfront Park.

The ramp would allow for canoeists and kayakers to have a free and convenient option in the borough for pursuing recreation on the river.

The project would cost about $9,000. It would be financed by a $3,000 grant from Armstrong County and donations from local businesses and individuals. If Leechburg can raise $1,000 for the project, the borough will receive an additional $5,000 from the county.

The Kiskiminetas Watershed Association has partnered with the borough on the proposed canoe/kayak launch project and has secured a $4,000 grant from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

“KWA will be providing assistance in enginneering planning and construction oversight,” said KWA president Genay Hess.

Dobos said the Moose Club already has donated $200, and volunteers will complete the work.

“We are trying to show off our area and help out the businesses,” Dobos said. “We’re planning to complete the project by mid-summer.”

• Newly hired part-time borough police officer Jacob Pepper, 21, appeared briefly during Wednesday’s council meeting to greet the council. He was hired last month at an hourly rate of $18.50.

• Leechburg Area School District solicitor Russell Lucas updated council on the football field project and projected a mid-July completion date. Lucas said the district still needs to obtain six easements, allowing water drainage from the football field to run across properties, from property owners in Gilpin and Leechburg.

• Council approved the advertising of a part-time borough office clerk position with a pay range of $9 to $11 an hour.

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