Hwy. 16 sewer funding sought

The city of Philadelphia is looking for a state funding to be used to expand sewer service along both sides of Highway 16 west.

The city has asked local legislators for a state funding in excess of $2 million for the project, Mayor James A. Young said. 

The city pledged to match state funding with $500,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funds it will be receiving. There is no plan to use General Fund money on this project and the project will not start until state funds become available.

The city is looking to add 12,000 linear feet in sewer lines on the south side of Highway 16 west from the Toyota construction site west to the city limits. 

In addition, plans are to add 10,000 linear feet on the north side, starting at Marshall Ford and Tractor Supply west to the city limits.

Young said getting sewer services into those areas will make it attractive to potential economic development.

“If we get an opportunity to extend the sewer without the money coming out of the general fund, we would be foolish not to do it,” Mayor Young said. “The area is semi-developed. But there is no sewer. To miss this opportunity would be a travesty.”  

The city also working on correcting the washout of a ditch on the west side of the Depot between Main and Beacon streets.

“On the west side of the ditch, it is slowly eating into the business located there,” Mayor Young said. “Basically, we are getting some quotes to get some riprap on both sides. The process will be to clear and grub the ditch, getting the channel going the right way. We will then fill the washed out area with riprap. We shouldn’t have any more problems.”