Mike Muffley, borough engineer from Hanover Engineering, gave reports of several Weissport Borough projects at the meeting this week.

He said a conference call was held with the borough and the Army Corps of Engineers to go over the entire project to clear up any questions or uncertainties, and they will be looking for a schedule date to start the work. The job is to fix erosion issues on the levee.

The total project will cost $750,000.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation paid $200,000 to cover the borough’s portion of the repair bill.

Street project

“Lehighton Water Authority is planning on replacing a water main on White Street this year,” Muffley advised Council. “They don’t have an exact schedule; but, they expect it to be done some time over the summer.”

Bidding for the Weissport street project needs to be put on hold until the water authority can schedule their work.

The road project will include repairs to White Street from Forge to Mill Streets, and from Park to Forge Streets. The total project is estimated to cost $125,000.

CBDG Grant

Muffley advised council that applications are again being accepted by Carbon County for the Community Block Development Grant, and he has applied for grants. Last year, the county denied the application.

Council President Tom Ketchledge suggested that the grants could be used for two drainage repairs needed; one at Forge and White streets, and one on Railroad Street.

The amount of the grant would depend on the estimated cost of the repairs needed.

America250PA

Dr. Keith “Jake” Boyer addressed the Weissport Borough Council Monday night to ask them for their support in the form of a resolution to support the efforts of America250PA Carbon County, the local branch of an effort to plan for the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America in 2026.

“In Weissport, we have more history than a lot of people in this area,” Boyer exclaimed. “Plus, they did start it with the Masons getting the Liberty Tree in the (Weissport Borough) park.”

Boyer is looking ahead to plan a celebration in 2026 for the America250. He is also looking to apply for grants being provided by the national America250 organization. The Jacob’s Historical Society and the Weissport Borough will work together.

Weissport Solicitor Greg Mousseau will write up the resolution for the Council to pass it at a later date.

Weissport Council Member Joe Foster advised that once the weather gets a bit warmer, they will be taking down the Christmas lights that are still up in the borough park.