May 16, 2024 By Paul Paterra 2 min read

With some help from neighboring Chartiers Township, Canonsburg may have found a way to address flooding on McBurney Road.

An area stream flows through Chartiers and onto West Pike Street in Canonsburg, resulting in flooding.

“That stream overflows, breaches at the banks, crosses the street and impacts the local businesses,” said council President Rich Russo after Monday’s council meeting. “It’s been a problem for years. We’ve tried to get some money to fund (necessary remediation and repairs).”

Needed work includes repiping a side of the stream by McBurney Road.

Russo said the borough has sought grants from the state Department of Community and Economic Development to address the issue, but the request has been denied.

Chartiers Township Manager Jodi Noble said Wednesday that supervisors voted Tuesday to provide a letter of support for Canonsburg’s grant application.

Russo said the project cost will likely range between $400,000 and $500,000.

“I think we would have a better chance because we now have Chartiers on board,” he said. Russo said the stream is filled with not only typical debris, but bigger items such as tires and plywood.

Jim Conley of Controlled Climate Systems, located at 577 West Pike St., addressed council at its meeting Monday about the matter.

“During large rain events, (the stream) overflows and sends mud to four businesses,” Conley said. “We’re in desperate need of help to get this stream cleaned out, if there is anything you could possibly do. The April 11 event cost us about $50,000 and we’re still cleaning. I think it’s totally avoidable if we give this stream some attention. That mud comes down and fills up all of the drains. You guys have been great about cleaning those drains out, but the first hour of rain those drains are clogged.”

Russo reminded residents that home rehabilitation loans are available from the county for low and moderate-income homeowners.

“You can get sidewalks repaired, roofs repaired, garages repaired, windows repaired, anything on the outside,” he said. “It’s an income-based qualification.”

Applications can be found at canonsburgborough.com.