Liberty board rails at railroad demands / By Martha Knight

LIBERTY VILLA—One way or another, the water-sewer line extension into Liberty Township should get underway by fall, township supervisor chairman Gary Turner declared at the monthly township board meeting Tuesday night.

He and supervisor Fred Ernst III expressed continuing frustration and not a little resentment over continued demands by Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad, and its owner, Norfolk Southern, for a $3,000 annual fee from the township, for a right-of-way called for in the present design of the project.

The project, largely funded by a state grant, but with 25 percent to be borrowed by the township, will enhance development and property values in a portion of the township by bringing water and sanitary sewer services two miles southward into the township from the Port Allegany line.

Turner said he has asked state senator Joe Scarnati and representative Marty Causer to intervene in Harrisburg but has been told little can be accomplished while the state budget quandary continues.

If the railroad continues with its recalcitrance, it may be time to adjust the project design to eliminate the need to pass under the railroad, Turner suggested. Portage Industrial Properties owner Randy Hobbs, a major promoter of the project, reiterated his willingness to provide right-of-way across some land he obtained to assist the project.

Turner and Ernst said a reasonable payment for right-of-way could be considered, but $3,000 a year is unreasonable—and what if the railroad decides to demand more, later on?

As they see it, the railroad has received government aid throughout its history, and they understand it receives federal funds right along. Demanding a burdensome fee from a municipality is especially unfair under such circumstances, the supervisors asserted. They added that using eminent domain might be a way to force the intractable transportation company to be more cooperative.

Township secretary Lucinda Speeth reported that the township has received $22,000 as its share of gas and oil drilling impact fee revenues. It will be used for maintenance and repairs of roads and bridges.

A heavier duty excavator, rated at 10 tons, has been purchased and is in service, supervisors said. Eventually the township should acquire a better heavy equipment trailer to transport the paver, supervisors mentioned.

A letter was summarized relating to a replacement of a bridge in Ostrander Hollow next year.

Supervisor Bruce Klein did not attend the meeting, having previously notified Turner that he would not be present.