The Douglass Township Board of Supervisors announced an update on the closure of County Line Road Bridge located over Swamp Creek at their meeting on Monday April 21st.

            At prior meetings, the board had discussed the need for the closure and repairs to the bridge. At the meeting, Engineer Alison Lee stated that PennDOT listed the bridge repair as "Critical" and "Corrosion has been there for a while."

            The board explained that there are two primary sources of funding for the project. The first is through DVRPC, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. The agency made an 80% financial commitment to the project 10 years ago, when it was estimated it would cost an estimated $1 million for repairs. Therefore, the township is renegotiating the funding through DVRPC since the cost of the project has since doubled.

            Another source of funding would come through a grant from MMT, Multimodal Transportation program. The application deadline is July 31, 2025. This funding will cover at least a 20% match for regional funding. Chairman Joshua Stouch explained that the House and local Senate office is working on the 20% match funding. "Looks like the bridge will be replaced without any tax payer's money", he said.

            The meeting also hosted a public hearing in regard to a proposal to add 134.31 acres of farmland into the Township's ASA, or Agricultural Secure Area. The land is owned by Kenneth and Martha Yoder. The property is located at the intersection of Paper Mill, Lone Pine and Henry roads.

            The addition of the farmland falls under ACT 43, 1981. This is when Pennsylvania took action to secure viable farmland from development under an Agricultural Security Area Law. This allows local municipalities to create ASAs in order to protect farmland and agricultural operations.

            After the public hearing, a resolution regarding the acquisition was on the agenda. At a February 18th BOS meeting, the township announced they received the application from the Yoder's. The resolution was passed unanimously by the board at the meeting on April 21st.

            In other news, Sgt. Brian Steffie announced the hire of a new police officer. The new officer is Veronica Maryanski. Chairman Joshua Stouch said "This is the first female officer in 25 years". Officer Maryanski is a recent graduate from the Academy. However, her skills are exemplary. "Stellar Candidate and great asset to Douglass Township", he said.