Photo by Becky Polaski Repairs of the storm water facilities, catch basins and storm sewers at the intersection of Brusselles Street and South Michael Street by Lesser and Lesser Jewelers will take place sometime after July 4.

By Becky Polaski

Staff Writer

According to Public Works Director Mike Mullaney the water that has been pooling at the corner of the Brusselles Street and South Michael Street intersection is a result of failed storm water facilities, catch basins and storm sewers. Mullaney explained that the storm water facilities under both roadways need reconstructed. 

“This is a PennDOT roadway, that’s why the city hasn’t done anything,” Mullaney said.

The city reached an agreement with PennDOT where the city has agreed to repair the catch basin and sidewalk in front of Lesser and Lesser Jewelers provided that PennDOT repairs the intersection, set up the traffic detour and replace all of the storm sewers.

Mullaney explained that construction is tentatively scheduled to begin sometime after July 4. He added that PennDOT has indicated that they only anticipate the project taking a couple of days.

According to Mullaney, PennDOT also indicated that they are willing to work at night if it is necessary. Additionally, while he was unsure of how the project would impact traffic on Brusselles Street, Mullaney noted that PennDOT indicated they would have flaggers to allow some traffic to pass through, though certain lanes will be shut down.

Mullaney also further explained the PennDOT policy that has delayed the project being fixed sooner.

“PennDOT has a state-wide policy for Third Class Cities to assume responsibility and ownership of all parallel storm water facilities along state roadways within the curbed area of the roadway,” Mullaney said. “St. Marys has 12.73 miles of state roadway that the taxpayers would have to maintain with a tax millage increase. This would be an additional liability of at least $12 million cost to the residents of St. Marys if all facilities failed.”

Mullaney explained that the city has reviewed the State Highway Law of 1945 and have not been able to find where this is specifically stated.

“We read the State Highway Law over and over, contacted PennDOT officials, and talked to their attorneys. No one is able to show us in the actual law where that is. There are innuendoes in there but it does not specifically state that you are responsible for this and that is our argument,” Mullaney said.

Mullaney noted that there are several other catch basins on state roads throughout the City that are failing as well.

“The city is unwilling to repair them, because it will create a precedent that they become our financial responsibility,” Mullaney said. “This has to be resolved at the legislative level. The residents and taxpayers of this community cannot afford a tax mill increase to maintain these storm water facilities.

Mullaney added that PennDOT is currently planning a major street reconstruction along State Route 255 south in 2012, though he is unaware of any plans for PennDOT to repair the underground storm water facilities or catch basins along the roadway.

“The city cannot afford to undertake any of these repairs, nor do we assume any ownership of these facilities,” Mullaney said. “The City of St. Marys has never designed, installed, or maintained any storm water facilities within the PennDOT roadways. We cannot understand how these facilities have suddenly become ours.”