Lower Burrell to fix Dorothy Street storm sewer by January

Lower Burrell officials knew there was an issue with a storm sewer on Dorothy Street during a routine maintenance inspection a while ago.

The storm sewer, according to Mayor Chris Fabry, is an older, corrugated metal pipe that is beginning to have joint failures and invert corrosion.

The pipe runs under several driveways and a retaining wall, making a repair more difficult.

But a grant to the tune of $30,000 will fully cover the cost of the sewer repair, Fabry said. The grant funding was announced Tuesday by state Sen. Joe Pittman, R-Indiana, and state Reps. Abby Major, R-Leechburg and Jill Cooper, R-Murrysville.

The money comes from the Local Share Account grants, approved by the state Commonwealth Financing Authority.

“I’m pleased to have advocated for these needs in order to address necessary work that will make the Alle-Kiski Valley a better place to live, work and visit,” Major said.

Fabry said it’s vital for the city to make the upgrades while trenchless repairs are an option.

“This will save us time and money in not having to replace or repair any resident’s driveways or a retaining wall,” he said.

Final design and bidding for the project is slated for May, and the city anticipates awarding a contract for it in July.

Construction is anticipated this winter, and the city hopes to have the project complete by January.

Fabry thanked the state officials for their assistance in securing the funding.

“Receiving grants like these continue to be vital for Lower Burrell,” Fabry said. “In this instance, we have an opportunity to complete a project sooner, with less overall costs instead of having to wait until a later date when tax dollars are available and prices have increased dramatically.”