Sewer project moves to residential areas

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The Route 8 Sewer Project taking place throughout New Cumberland and New Manchester continues to move forward and into residential areas.

Del Wright, treasurer of the Hancock County Public Service District, stated that the $18,006,371 project is moving forward on schedule despite statements from local residents saying they were told not to expect completion until at least the first of the year.

"The contractors are doing what they can to make sure the project is moving according to plan," he said.

Wright stated that the first of three contracts to complete the project that will bring sewage service to 680 new customers was 85 percent complete, with the other two not far behind as of April. He stated that the date originally set for the completion of the project was Sept. 1, and they are still planning on having the project complete by then, or at the latest October.

"With the weather being as unpredictable as it is, we can't always get out there when we need to, but we do put in overtime to catch up to make sure we stay on track," he added.

Wright stated that approximately 24 miles of piping will be laid in the ground as the project nears completion. He said it will stretch from Smith Road to Oak Glen and beyond to the Hancock County Senior Center, as well as back down to state Route 2 heading out toward Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort.

A new sanitary plant also will be built as part of the project. Wright stated that all of the piping will need to be complete before service will be provided, but the customers will have some responsibilities of their own to take care of beforehand.

"The Hancock County Commissioners have paid the tap fee so customers won't need to worry about that, but piping will only be laid 10 feet out from the main lines and homeowners and property owners will have to find qualified contractors to hook up the rest of the way themselves," said Wright, adding that the price will vary for each customer.

Wright said a letter would be sent to each of the residents and new customers fully explaining this procedure and what the true responsibilities will be.

"Much of the initial 10 feet piping has been laid and the residents have been informed of contractors they can contact for the remainder of the work," said Wright.

(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondailytimes.com)