O'Hara seeking $770,000 from Allegheny County for stormwater upgrades

O’Hara council is seeking more than $770,000 in Allegheny County grants for stormwater projects across the township.

Council green-lighted three applications to the county’s Community Infrastructure and Tourism Fund. They include:

• $250,000 for the Greenwood Cemetery stormwater project.

• $250,000 for the Epsilon Drive work.

• $220,000 for a project along Gamma Drive.

If approved, money would come through the county Redevelopment Authority.

Township Engineer Chuck Steinert said the work at Greenwood Cemetery would alleviate flooding in the lower portion of Seitz Run by retaining and releasing water at a slower rate.

“The residents of Kittanning Pike and Sharpsburg are frequently affected during large rainfall events,” Steiner said.

The new stormwater facility is one of many planned in the watershed. It is being paid for by the township’s recently implemented stormwater fee.

New facilities are also planned for RIDC Park.

Grant money would be directed for a stormwater facility between Epsilong and Alpha drives to retain water and ease flooding.

“This project will reduce flooding along Squaw Run but will also reduce the amount of sediment in the stream,” Steinert said.

The sediment is required to be reduced under the township’s MS4 permit.

This project also is being paid with money from the township’s new stormwater fee.

A similar project is planned off Gamma Drive, Steinert said.