Federal funds expected to cover cost of Allentown lead pipe replacement

ALLENTOWN – Allentown community officials plan to use federal funds to replace lead water pipes on Church Street.

During the Mayor’s and City Council’s Jan. 25 meeting, conducted via Zoom amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, City Councilwoman Martha Johnson, the chair of the Water Services Committee, said $185,000 will be provided by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (also referred to as the COVID-19 stimulus package) were used to fund the project.

Johnson said the lead pipe replacement project is expected to be completed before streetscape improvements begin on Church Street. The streetscape improvements include new curbs and sidewalks and are expected to be completed over the summer.

Resident Wil Borkowski thanked Johnson and Borough Engineer Carmela Roberts “for making the lead pipe replacement project a reality.”

Borough Administrator Laurie Roth said the lead pipe replacement project is expected to be approved when the council meets on February 8. This governing body meeting will also be held via Zoom.

In other shops Council members approved the hiring of Levi Krebs as a full-time Patrol Officer with the Allentown Police Department. Krebs will begin work in February. His appointment follows the departure of Patrol Officer Dan D’Ascoli in December.

Roth said the hiring of a new officer followed Brian Stab’s recent promotion from corporal to sergeant.

In related police news, Councilor Dan Payson said the county is awaiting delivery of a new police vehicle. He said delivery of the vehicle was delayed by a shortage of computer chips affecting the auto industry.

And Borough Council President John A. Elder III and Council members Michael Drennan, Nikki Darling, Erica Torsiello, Johnson and Payson approved shared service agreements with Robbinsville for auto repair, brush collection, other services and temporary labor.

Mayor Thomas Fritts said Robbinsville has been “a great partner” for Allentown, and Roth stated that “these (shared service) agreements allow Allentown’s Department of Public Works to share resources, services and emergency personnel at a cost competitive with the neighboring community.” of the district”.

In a unanimous vote, the Earle Asphalt Company was authorized to perform fire hydrant repairs ($40,000), sewer line repairs at Waker Avenue ($20,339), and water line repairs at 75 N. Main St. ($6,667).

Finally, Fritts reminded residents that Monmouth County Engineer Joseph Ettore is scheduled to speak at the Feb. 8 meeting and discuss the county’s plan to build a traffic light at the intersection of High and South Main Streets.

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