A $73,000 storm sewer separation project in Tarentum is expected to wrap up by the end of the year — and it will cost the borough less than $300.

Council on Tuesday was awarded $72,752 from the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County.

“We originally thought the project was going to cost about $111,000,” council President Scott Dadowski said.

“It came in at $73,043, so with the grant we received, we’re going to do the whole project for under $300. When does that ever happen?”

Work is being done along East Seventh Avenue as part of a mandate to separate storm and sewer waterlines.

The project is expected to alleviate overflows and basement backups in the area.

This year, Tarentum eyed more than $755,000 in tentative sewer upgrades as part of the mandate. Projects included $550,000 to install a storm sewer along East Seventh Avenue; $137,000 for a sanitary sewer lining project; and $68,000 for manhole rehabilitation.

“We’re piecing everything out, doing them when we can,” Dadowski said. “It’s a big project but when you get help like this and it only costs a couple hundred, I’m not going to complain.”

Lock boxes now required

Council, during its meeting, also approved an ordinance to require lock boxes at commercial construction sites.

A lock box is a small, locked, wall-mounted safe that contains keys for the building’s main entrance. The keys will be kept in fire and police vehicles.

The move ensures that first responders will have access in case of an emergency, without having to use force to gain entry, Borough Manager Michael Nestico said.

Dadowski said the ordinance is becoming common in municipalities across the region. The ordinance applies to commercial, industrial and apartment buildings, along with schools.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)