Another piece of Natrona history will be replaced soon.
Harrison Commissioners on Thursday night awarded an $85,200 contract to State Pipe Services Inc. of Cranberry to replace a stone culvert drainage area in the township's Natrona neighborhood.
Part of the stone-cast culvert — believed to have been installed between the years of 1890 and 1900 — collapsed recently.
Officials fear if it isn't replaced, the portion below River Avenue could collapse, causing a monumental headache for the township and drivers.
The culvert goes under several homes and a former bowling alley.
Work is expected to begin right away.
In other business
• Commissioners on Monday are expected to award a demolition contract for about $15,500 to raze two homes in Natrona.
One is a burned-out home at 80 Pond St. and the other a dilapidated structure at 112 Blue Ridge Ave.
The Blue Ridge building was the home of the Duff family before Larry and Lisa Duff were jailed for their roles in the beating death of Larry Duff's disabled brother, Ronald Duff, last October.
The money will come from a $20,000 federal Community Development Block Grant awarded to Harrison through the Allegheny County North Council of Governments.
Township officials hope to demolish at least 20 other abandoned structures soon.
• Discussion is expected to occur on Monday on how to replace a sewage pump station on the portion of Freeport Road that descends toward Freeport.
The township applied for a grant through Allegheny County's Gaming Economic Development Fund, but commissioners said county officials have yet to reply to the request.
Commissioners President George Conroy said the pump station only serves a handful of homes, but the system is “antiquated and needs replaced.”
Officials might need to secure a $220,000 loan if the grant doesn't come through.
Harrison officials would at least like to have cement laid for the station's base before winter.
• Commissioners on Monday are expected to accept a $2,000 check from the state's Unconventional Gas Well Fund that will be applied to township road maintenance.
George Guido is a freelance writer for Trib Total Media.
