A project to replace an aging sewer system and upgrade services to residents in Marion Township is now nearing completion.
Local officials gathered in Boyers yesterday to tout the new Boyers Sewer Project that has been over two years in the making. With the new treatment facility built and homes being brought onto the system, it’s expected the new system will serve over 230 residents in Marion Township.
Building the new $5.2 million system relied on significant grant funding, including a majority of funding from Community Development Block Grants.
The project began as the Department of Environmental Protection started fining Marion Township to address the sewer plant. Jason McBride, the supervisor and chairman of the Board of Marion Township, didn’t know how they were going to pay the fines or address the sewer line.
But he says Chairman of the Butler County Planning Commission Mark Gordon was a major assistance to the township in helping secure the funding.
“I remember the first meeting we had, Mark’s wheels we’re spinning. He had some great ideas and I’ve never forgotten that,” McBride said. “It started there and here we are three years later. We’re digging ditches and putting the system in.”
Gordon said these types of projects are what quality infrastructure is about.
“This infrastructure investment provides necessary services and enhances the quality of life for the residents and businesses in the Boyers community,” Gordon said.
Congressman Mike Kelly was also on-hand to tour the facility yesterday and stressed that the funding for this project comes from taxpayers.
“This project provides a big return on investment for local taxpayers. We are proudly investing in infrastructure projects all over Butler County,” Kelly said. “This project will improve the quality of life for area residents and support businesses across Boyers and Marion Township. This is a true team effort across all levels of government. Investing in physical infrastructure like this is an investment in our region’s future.”
The engineer for the Sewer Plant called the construction of the plant low tech and low cost but if the township wanted to expand the plant it could do so today.
Monthly prices will depend on the operating costs, chemicals, and loan on the plant.
