Municipalities are shelling out considerably more money than in prior years to get paving projects done this summer.

Jim Thorpe Borough, during a workshop Thursday night, said it will have to cross three streets off its list of 2022 planned projects in order to stay close to budget.

“We budgeted $50,000 for paving this year, but our bids have come back a little over that,” Borough Manager Maureen Sterner said.

The borough originally included five streets in its 2022 plans for paving including Chapman Street, North Avenue, Main Street, Maple Street and Sixth Street.

“Chapman is the most severely deteriorated and in need of work,” Sterner said. “That bid came back at $38,264. We’d also like to do North Avenue at $22,248. That brings us to $60,512 so we’ll have to take the other three off the list.”

Councilman Bob Schaninger said paving costs are predicated on the cost of fuel, causing this year’s inflated prices.

“With fuel being as high as it is,” Schaninger said, “I would say we’re paying at least 40% more than normal.”

Sterner said at least three companies that normally bid on Jim Thorpe’s paving projects did not this year.

“That’s just how bad it is right now,” she said. “I’ve read of municipalities canceling their paving projects altogether because the prices are just too high.”

Jim Thorpe intends on awarding its paving contracts for Chapman Street and North Avenue at Thursday’s council meeting.