Current News
Derry Township 2010-2011 Infrastructure Projects
Through many years of planning, design and funding, several major infrastructure projects are about to move into construction throughout Derry Township in 2010 and 2011. The projects include infrastructure improvements to bridges, roadways, intersections and stormwater and sanitary facilities with a total construction cost of $23 million. The following is a general description, costs and timeframe for each of these projects.
These exciting improvements will necessitate unavoidable disruption to the Township's normal travel patterns. While each project has plans to maintain traffic at all times, travellers can expect delays at certain times during construction.
Accordingly, Derry Township is exploring various ways through which residents and tourists can stay informed of present and future construction activity. Please look for future updates to the following link that will provide more detail.
No Left Turn Off Mansion Road
The Board of Supervisors adopted Ordinance No. 588, prohibiting left turns from the southbound lane of Mansion Road onto US 422. The restriction was put in place to improve safety due to the amount of traffic on E. Chocolate Avenue and the potential for increased traffic with the development of the 550 block.
Derry Receives $4.2 Million for Storm Water Improvement Project
The Commonwealth Financing Authority named Derry Township's storm water project to receive funding through the H2O PA program.
The Township submitted the application in February requesting $4.2 million to undertake a township-wide storm water improvement project.
The Township is required to provide matching funds for the H2O award and has been previously qualified for a low interest Pennsylvania Infrastructure Bank Loan to fund the required one-third match of the project’s cost.
“This is a great day for Derry Township,” said Chairman Mike Pries. “Over the last two years, we have been moving forward to make improvements to the storm water system and the authority’s favorable response for funding will make it possible.” The Board noted that securing this funding was a team effort and publicly recognized the efforts of Senator Jeffrey Piccola and Representative John Payne in advocating on behalf of the project.
The Township’s engineer, Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. is in the process of obtaining necessary permits and is nearing completion of the design for the project. Because of the size of the project, it was divided into three systems.
System 1: Mill Street/Cherry Drive, Forest Avenue, Clark Road and Sand Hill Road, and W. Chocolate Avenue at Swatara Avenue
System 2: Hersheypark Drive (shopping area), Wood Road at Bullfrog Valley Road, and Route 422/322 Interchange
System 3: Cocoa Avenue/Governor Road and Cocoa Avenue between Elm Avenue and Areba Avenue
The Commonwealth Finance Authority also authorized a bond resolution to fund the approved projects to be available by September as long as it is not delayed based on current bond market conditions. Construction is expected to begin early in 2010.
Addition to Website Assists New Residents
The Township added a new section to the website to provide information to individuals who are considering moving to Derry Township, or who have recently relocated to the area.
The new section, found under About Us, includes a New Resident Guide which provides information on township services, schools, taxes, government, employment, housing, daycares, churches, clubs, and businesses. The guide was designed to provide pertinent information to those who want to learn more about the area and the personality of the community.
The new section of the website also provides local businesses with the opportunity to display an advertisement to promote their business. Board member Chris Abruzzo said, "This is a great partnership between the business community and the Township that will be beneficial to both. Business owners can reach new residents through our site and the Township can generate revenue to offset the cost of maintaining the site." The site averaged 24,364 visitors a month last year during the months of June through August, when the majority of people relocate.
The Township is providing ad space for $250 a year, or $25 a month. Special rates are available to non-profit groups. Interested businesses should contact Jill Horner, at 533-2057, option 5.
Township Encourages Residents to Prepare for a Pandemic
The threat of a pandemic is now more realistic since the outbreak of the H1N1 Swine Influenza. The last significant pandemic in the United States was the Spanish Flu in 1918 -1919. It happened so long ago that it's hard for citizens to imagine a flu spreading rapidly and killing hundreds of thousands of individuals. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has been warning that the possibility of a pandemic is real. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization were concerned most about the H5N1 Avian Influenza and the potential for it to mutate to a form that can spread from person to person. The Swine Flu occurred with little notice and spread from Mexico within days. This experience with the Swine Flu demonstrated how quickly a virus can form and transfer to and across the United States.
The Township created a Pandemic Planning Guide and mailed it to each home to prepare residents in case a flu pandemic ever occurs in Derry Township. The Guide encourages residents to practice proper preventative hygiene, social distancing, to stock essential non-perishable items and emergency supplies, and to be prepared for schools and day cares to close.
The Pandemic Planning Guide can be viewed by clicking here.
For more information, please visit the following websites:
www.pandemicflu.gov www.takethelead.pandemicflu.gov www.AvianFlu.gov www.pandemicflu.state.pa.us www.readyPA.org
U.S. Census Bureau Provides Employment Opportunities
The U.S. Census Bureau is seeking employees to conduct the 2010 Census. Assignments will last 5 to 10 weeks. The Bureau pays a competitive wage and provides reimbursements for authorized expenses such as mileage. The work schedule varies. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, be at least 18 years old, have a valid social security number, able to pass a written test of basic skills, able pass a background check, have a valid driver's license (for field jobs), and be able to commit to 3 1/2 days of training. If interested, call 1-866-861-2010.
Winter Safety Tips for Seniors
Dauphin County HEROES GROVE
Honorable Ronald S. Marsico and a committee of dedicated citizens are developing Heroes Grove in Lower Paxton Township to honor veterans, emergency responders, and law enforcement personnel who have demonstrated their dedication to our communities, the commonwealth, and the country. Heroes Grove will feature an amphitheater in which ceremonies, educational seminars, festivals and concerts will be held.
Dauphin County Heroes Grove needs your support. Construction and equipment costs are estimated to be $4 million. An intensive funding campaign is being conducted. Contributions can range from foundation grants to individual citizen contributions, from the donation of a monument to the purchase of a paver.
For more information on the project, please visit HeroesGrove.org.
Phone: 717-236-5040
Please visit tfec.org, or mail donations to:
Heroes Grove Fund Project
Foundation for Enhancing Communities
200 N. 3rd Street, 8th Floor
P.O. Box 678
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0678
Rain Barrels Available for Purchase
The Department of Public Works has purchased rain barrels for residents to purchase. The 60 gallon barrels are black and connect to your downspouts to collect rainwater. Barrels conserve water and help to control surface water. The cost is $100 + tax. If you are interested, they are available at the Public Works Facility and the Recycling Center. If you have questions, you can call 533-2057, option 4.
*Documents Require Adobe Acrobat Viewer. Click here for the free download.