GLENBURN TWP. - The Abington Regional Wastewater Authority got a "significant boost" in its pursuit of a loan that would help fund an upgrade to its sewage treatment plant.
At a meeting Monday, Glenburn Twp. supervisors agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding - citing their interest in moving forward with a project to have the authority treat 175 EDUs, or equivalent dwelling units, within the township.
The documentation, which has been in the works for months, allows the authority to provide evidence to the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority that it plans to provide treatment to a fourth municipality - in addition to Clarks Green, Clarks Summit and South Abington Twp. It comes less than two weeks before board members will be notified whether the authority is awarded a low-interest Pennvest loan they say could fund the majority of the estimated $34 million project designed to upgrade the South Abington Twp. plant.
The project will bring the treatment plant into compliance with a federal mandate meant to reduce pollution that eventually ends up in the Chesapeake Bay. Construction is expected to begin in April.
"It's a significant boost for them, and certainly increases the likelihood they will obtain the loan," township solicitor Malcolm MacGregor said. "The more municipalities they treat, the better their odds are."
Discussion of the wastewater authority treating a portion of Glenburn Twp. surfaced several years ago when officials from Border Realty Associates of Dalton introduced the idea of building a development in the township, said Robert Davis, executive director of the wastewater authority.
The proposed development would total 175 EDUs.
Talks between the two sides slowed as the economy put a temporary halt to the development, Mr. Davis said. But they started again earlier this year - though no timetable is set for construction of the development.
"It can only help," Mr. Davis told The Times-Tribune before the meeting. "Pennvest awards additional points toward your application when you regionalize. It could play a huge role."
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