It appears the long-anticipated water and sewer project through
Lafayette Township to Bradford Regional Airport could begin
Wednesday, nearly four months after the original start date.

On Monday, Airport Manager Tom Frungillo said crews from Chivers
Construction of North East were “mobilizing” Monday and today in
anticipation of clearing a site for the large water tank, which
will be located along the start of the airport’s access road.

“They (Chivers) still expect to be completed with the project
this year,” Frungillo said, adding Dec. 14 has been targeted as a
date to complete the water line portion of the $1.6 million
project. “At that point, the residents (Lafayette Township) will
have access to hook up to the system. But, when that happens is
ultimately up to the township.”

Officials said the sewer line portion of the job might have to
be completed in the spring.

The last start date for the project was Sept. 1, however, the
contractors couldn’t begin then because they were on another job.
The original start date for the work was May 23.

“These are just some of the issues you have to face,” Frungillo
said of the numerous delays. “The grant money and funding is in
place … it’s just a matter of putting it together.”

Problems began as a result of permit issues with the state
Department of Environmental Protection. The agency was required to
advertise the permit in the Pennsylvania Bulletin for 30 days, but
did not.

Several new start dates were targeted since that point, but new
delays kept cropping up.

The project has been backed by federal funding, as well as the
Bradford City Water Authority and Lafayette Township Sewer
Authority. The project will also help save the airport money on a
monthly basis.

More importantly, the airport is in line to garner a
Pennsylvania Army National Guard armory, which will be located on
airport grounds near the access road leading to the facility.

In addition to the armory, more than 40 Lafayette Township
residents along Route 59 will automatically hook onto the system
for public water service, while sewer service will flow directly
from Bradford to the airport along the old Erie Railroad grade.

The project will also serve to provide extra fire protection to
the airport, and promote Keystone Opportunity Zone sites near the
airport.

Airport officials have said the water and sewer project is a
keystone to further economic development on airport grounds.