The Center Township Supervisors accepted a bid for the Smith Road culvert replacement project and discussed the ongoing Citizens’ Ambulance financial dilemma at Monday’s meeting.
The Supervisors received seven bids for the culvert replacement project, but ultimately awarded it to the lowest bidder, Tim Fouse Excavating of Kittanning, for $89,284. The aluminum box culvert, manufactured by Lane Enterprises, should be delivered in a few weeks. The project is expected to begin at the end of the month and be finished around the middle of November. The section of Smith Road near the intersection with Route 56 will be closed while the project is underway, and detours should be posted by the end of the week.
In other news, Chairman John Bertolino said the township was approached by Citizens’ Ambulance requesting a financial contribution amid their ongoing struggle. While the Supervisors are still considering the request, Bertolino called Center Township residents to action:
“If we, the board of supervisors here at Center Township, could get the message out to all of our residents to take a serious look at purchasing a membership to Citizens’ Ambulance, that stream of revenue would help out Citizens’ Ambulance tremendously.”
Bertolino said an ambulance ride could cost upwards of $1400, so a membership is well worth the potential savings:
“As a member I have used Citizens’ Ambulance, I’ve been a member of Citizens’ Ambulance for a long time. I’ve used their services twice, and I don’t think I’ve ever paid more than $50 or $60 out of my pocket because I’m a member. So it’s a significant savings. We hope no one ever has to use it, but if you only have to use it once, that membership fee is very reasonable. So we encourage all of our citizens to consider purchasing a membership with Citizens’ Ambulance.”
