Gilpin decides on projects for $80,000 of federal covid relief funds

The Gilpin supervisors intend to allocate $80,000 of the township’s federal covid relief money.

The money is part of $125,400 received from the federal fund designed to help communities come back from a broad range of issues they faced in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic.

Township supervisors Chairman Charles Stull said the remaining $45,400 will be put in the bank for now.

Here’s a breakdown of how the township intends to spend the $80,000:

• $37,500 will be given to the Gilpin Fire Department, Gilpin and Leechburg Park and the Leechburg Area Pool. Each will receive $12,500;

• $10,000 will be given to the police department to reimburse it for covid-related expenses;

• $8,500 will be used to give bonuses to the seven township employees for “exceptional service”;

• $8,000 will pay for a backup power supply for the Gilpin Police Department for emergency situations;

• $8,000 will be used to build a restroom at the public works garage;

• $5,000 will be used to replace lighting in the municipal building and public works garage;

• $3,000 will be used to replace carpet in the police station with flooring to allow for improved cleanup and more sanitary conditions.

The Leechburg Area Pool announced a Leechburg Pool Slide Fund on Thursday. The pool is looking to raise $90,000 for a new water slide.

Township Supervisor Steve Senjan, who also serves as Leechburg Area Pool treasurer, said the pool is looking for ways to attract more people.

“We are hoping to bring more people to the pool and park,” he said. “That will help the small businesses around to bring more people in.”

Another $125,400 coming in June

The township is slated to receive a second payment of $125,400 in June . Supervisors will be able to decide how to use those funds and the remaining $45,400.

The township already has committed to giving the Gilpin Fire Department, Gilpin and Leechburg Park and the Leechburg Area Pool an additional $12,500 each out of its second covid relief allocation.

The township must spend the money by the end of 2024. Senjan said the board will wait to see what guidelines might change or update to see how they can allocate the rest of the money.

“A lot of us want road equipment,” he said.

Stull said little has changed from the advertised preliminary budget for next year.

Supervisors will review and approve the final 2022 budget at their Dec. 29 meeting.