Catharine Township Votes to Plow Fox Run

Last year, the Catharine Township supervisors voted against plowing Fox Run Road, saying they would rather let PennDOT plow it. After numerous resident complaints, the supervisors agreed during last Thursday evening’s meeting to take over plowing of the roughly six-mile stretch.

By signing the Municipal Winter Traffic Services Agreement with PennDOT, Catharine will receive more than $12,000 for plowing Fox Run Road. Chairman Ken Brenneman made the motion to approve the agreement with Vice Chairman Heather Flaig seconding, and the motion passed.

At last month’s meeting, Blair County Planning Commission Director Dave McFarland was present to ask if a supervisor would like to accompany him to visit residents of the Ganister area to get an income-based survey about grant funds for the sewer project. Chairman Brenneman gave a report at the meeting saying that he went along with McFarland and that a “good majority” of residents completed the surveys. He praised area residents for their patience and understanding.

Solicitor Dave Pertile, who was not in attendance at meeting, passed along a copy of an on-lot system maintenance ordinance as part of the Act 537 plan for the township. No further action was taken. The supervisors agreed to look over the ordinance and discuss the township’s opinions next month. The purpose of the DEP sewage facilities program is to implement the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (Act 537) in order to help address existing sewage disposal needs, and to help prevent future problems through the proper planning, permitting, and design of all types of sewage facilities.

The supervisors voted to have a Catharine Township truck in the Williamsburg Community Farm Show Parade on Aug. 22.

Roadmaster Michael Fay gave the supervisors an estimate of five roads in the township which are “badly in need of repair.” Fay cited Cross Valley, Polecat Hollow, Etna Furnace, Overlook and Chestnut/Home Street as all needing work, at a total cost of $319,000. The supervisors said they would like a meeting with state Sen. Judy Ward to discuss potential funding help from the state.

Fay also discussed taking over maintenance from PennDOT in Catharine Township for one road for $4,000 per mile, which in turn creates roughly $25,000 for the township per year. Fay said he would gather more information and is trying to “raise money for Catharine.”