Officials in West Elizabeth are eyeing a county grant program as a possible means to replacing some aging borough infrastructure.
At a meeting Wednesday, council members discussed their interest in pursuing a Gaming Economic Development Fund grant to pay for construction of a new borough garage and fire station.
Borough officials said they have been in touch with state Rep. Rick Saccone, R-Elizabeth Township, about the infrastructure needs and were pointed toward the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County grant program.
Council president Louise Biddle said Saccone's office indicated the grants could pay for the buildings, though other borough officials said that might not be the case, citing language in the application form stating the grant cannot be used for the purchase of municipal vehicles or buildings.
“We need clarification,” said borough Solicitor Matt Racunas, noting it would be a waste of resources to complete the application only to have it rejected outright by county reviewers.
He said the matter needed to be further discussed with Saccone's office.
Councilwoman Janet Isaacs said if the borough is eligible to apply for the grant, it has to move quickly.
“This application has to be in by May 1,” Isaacs said.
Biddle said the minimum request for a grant from the fund is $500,000, though the county may award grants of lesser amounts.
Elizabeth councilwoman Robin Miller, who attended the meeting, said her community received one of the grants last year and used the money for street projects and flood recovery efforts.
“It's a good grant,” said Miller, who advised West Elizabeth officials to submit a master plan if they do apply.
Council has been talking for months about the need for a new garage and possible ways to fund such a project.
There have been talks of replacing the garage with a steel building or constructing a combined garage and fire hall.
Borough resident Ken Kubler said what he perceives as mold in the garage could be a health risk to those who work there.
“It smells,” said Kubler, who believes bad odors he's noticed outside the structure are being caused by mold.
The garage has been damaged in the past by flooding.
“This is a serious issue,” Kubler said.
Biddle said the borough will test for mold and present the results by the next meeting.
Code enforcement officer Bill Wolfgang said he believes the borough already has a spare mold kit he can use.
If not, Wolfgang said he would purchase one and perform the test.
Eric Slagle is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-664-9161 ext. 1966, or eslagle@tribweb.com.
