—
The Cambria Somerset Authority is reviewing a handful of small construction projects, estimated to cost a total of $185,000, in the hope that at least some of the work can be cut from this year’s budget.
It’s a necessary move after a year of issues with the Quemahoning Reservoir’s intake tower and unrelated dam and water line problems continued to drain the authority’s emergency repair fund, CSA members said.
With that fund down to $64,000, the board transferred another $75,000 into it to cover scheduled or recently completed work – but members said they can’t keep turning to their general fund sources.
“We’re walking on a razor blade ... and that razor blade keeps getting sharpened,” authority manager Earl Waddell said after updating the board Thursday on recent work and costs.
The bulk of the problems stemmed from broken gate frames last year that damaged an intake tower gate, portal lining and the Que’s whitewater release valve.
Issues also have cropped up at other sites.
Waddell said South Fork projects, a Sam’s Run Que line valve and Wilmore shoreline project can be delayed until next year, which would free funds now budgeted for that work so the money could be used for other needs.
He said it’s possible other projects also could be postponed.
Waddell said he will have a report for the board at the next meeting.
Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat print edition.
Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat e-edition.



