Officials from the Upper Perkiomen School District are seeking a county grant to help offset the cost of a proposal to build a bike path and sidewalk related to the construction of a new middle school in Upper Hanover.

            Township officials have applied for MontCo 2040 Implementation Grant, in cooperation with the school district, worth $200,000. The money would be used to help fund the Montgomery Avenue Bike Path and Sidewalk Installation Project, according to township Manager Stan Seitzinger, Jr. He estimated the construction cost of the project $525,000.

            The school district will cover a required 20 percent grant match, according to Seitzinger. He stated in a Feb. 8 email message that the district's match will far exceed the required percentage.

            The 2018 cycle of the grant, which features an increased funding allotment of $1.5 million, is available on a competitive grant basis for municipalities and their partners to make real progress on the goals of the comprehensive plan affecting their local communities. Its focus categories include Support of Downtowns and Community Destinations, Adaptation and Resiliency and Resiliency and Walk MontCo and Bike MontCo – Trails, Paths, Sidewalk Connections, and Bike Facilities.

            In April, the township's board of supervisors ratified a stipulation agreement with the Upper Perkiomen School District related to the proposed construction of a new middle school on Montgomery Ave. By a 3-1 vote, they approved an 11-page document which settles a conditional use appeal by the district against the township and requires the district to install sidewalks on both sides of Montgomery Avenue.

            The agreement requires the district to pay for the construction of a sidewalk and bike bath from Walt Road to 8th Street on the southern side of Montgomery Ave., as well as a sidewalk on the northern side of the street from 8th Street to 6th Street.

            Alexis McGloin, the district superintendent, called the agreement the proper solution for the district, township and the students. She said it will allow a safe pedestrian path for students to and from the new school.

            The street has been classified as a hazardous walking route by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.