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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Jesse White
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White does not endorse Hanover Township Sewer Authority request
BURGETTSTOWN, Nov. 30 – State Rep. Jesse White, D-Washington/Allegheny/Beaver, today released the following statement regarding the Hanover Township Sewer Authority's request for support to apply for a $174,000 renovation project at the former Hanover Township Building:
"I recently received a request from Steve Kladakis, chairman of the Hanover Township Sewer Authority, for support of a project to renovate the former Hanover Township Building for the authority's use as a business office.
"For the project to come to fruition, the authority will apply for grant funding through the Meadows Casino’s Local Share fund, which requires a letter of support from its state legislator. After carefully reviewing this proposal, I do not endorse the authority’s application for a variety of reasons.
"First, the rationale to renovate the building is based on the authority’s plans to construct Phase 2 of the sewer project, but because the authority has not fully committed to constructing and operating its own plant, I do not feel this project demonstrates a viable need at this time.
"Additionally, it has come to my attention that the authority leases the building in question. Based on my experience as a member of the Local Share review panel, I firmly believe the authority will have difficulty receiving its $174,000 funding request because it does not own the property.
"Beyond these challenges, there are several other areas of uncertainty associated with the Hanover Township Sewer Authority and its operations, including the authority’s failure to comply with Department of Environmental Protection orders to control the formation of hydrogen sulfide at its pump stations.
"I often deal with issues surrounding sewer and water infrastructure projects and proposals throughout the 46th Legislative District, which always require money, time and careful planning.
"Because the renovation project involves taxpayer money, I do not feel it would benefit Hanover Township residents if the authority took on additional responsibilities at this time. It simply does not make sense to endorse a project that has so many lingering issues that need to be dealt with first."
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