Energy-saving solar panels, improved trails among projects covered by state funding
Fox Chapel residents who live downstream from Hardie Valley Park will get help to stave off potential flooding thanks to a recent round of state funding.
In O’Hara, state money will be used to stabilize trails at the township’s Community Park, providing renewed access to outdoor recreation opportunities.
The improvements come courtesy of more than $2.1 million in grants distributed through the Commonwealth Financing Authority and announced in March by state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Fox Chapel.
Fox Chapel scored more than $525,000 in total, part of which will help with stormwater management at Hardie Valley.
About $474,000 will be used for work at the borough’s newest park, which spans more than 17 acres off Old Mill Road.
Manager Gary Koehler said the money will help complete a master plan developed two years ago by the community, while also assisting downstream property owners from flooding and protecting stream banks from erosion.
Work will include construction of natural stream crossings, green stormwater infrastructure, culverts and natural hydrology corridors.
The borough also will receive $51,500 to install solar panels on the public works garage.
“The solar panels grant will continue the borough’s leadership by using additional solar panels on the roofs of its buildings to save energy expenses/tax dollars and reduce emissions,” Koehler said.
“The borough is excited about these opportunities to enhance and protect Fox Chapel and surrounding areas.”
Other local projects covered by state funding include $81,875 for Blawnox to purchase a new truck with a snowplow attachment, $116,600 for Springdale Township to replace a waterline along Parkway Drive and $100,000 for Harmar to line and rehabilitate sanitary sewer lines in the Chapel Downs housing development.
In O’Hara, about $117,000 in state money will be used to enhance safety along walking trails at Community Park.
The work will provide renewed access to existing outdoor recreation amenities, township engineer Chuck Steinert said.
The design phase is just starting.
“There may be some preliminary purchasing and prep work this year, but I anticipate the major construction will happen in 2024,” Steinert said.
Tawnya Panizzi is a TribLive reporter. She joined the Trib in 1997. She can be reached at tpanizzi@triblive.com.
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