Lower Tyrone residents concerned about road conditions

Some Lower Tyrone Township residents told supervisors last week they are frustrated with the shape of township roads.

But Supervisor Sean Ferris said supervisors' hands are tied because the township has no money.

Barry Rimel told supervisors he damaged his truck because of the poor condition of the roads.

"When the roads start looking like a mine field, it's getting pretty rough," he said, talking about Charles Lane, Jackson Hill Road, Hickman Run Road, Gillespie Road and River Road, just to name a few.

Resident Susanne Newell said she's lived in the township for more than 30 years and she's tired of having horrible roads to drive on.

She added that she is going to keep a log of what repairs are made to township roads and send it on to Harrisburg if she has to.

"I know we get some kind of state or federal funds that's to be put towards the roads, but nothing is being done," she said.

Supervisor John Anderson said township officials are trying to get all of the township roads on a five-year rotation for tarring and chipping and they've started that process by focusing on getting all of the drainage ditches working.

"We are trying to do some patching, but we just don't have any money for asphalt or paving," Ferris said.

Resident Gene Knox added, in defense of the township, that the taxes township residents pay are minimal.

"We're lucky to live in this township for all of the money we pay in taxes," he said. "Some people pay just $20, $30 or $40 a year to the township. If you want better roads, you're going to have to pay higher taxes."

Supervisor Ken Frye did not attend the meeting.