LOWER SAUCON TWP., Pa. — Township Council on Wednesday accepted a $125,000 state grant to cover some cost for a new restroom at the Reading Drive head along the Saucon Rail Trail.
Interim Township Manager Cathy Gorman said the connection area at 1770 Reading Dr. has had porta-potties on site for some time.
The incoming money has been specifically earmarked for preliminary work on the new bathroom, she said, and further contracting procedures for the work may be back before officials by spring.
“If other funding opportunities present themselves, we will present to Council for consideration,” Gorman wrote in a memo to Township Council.
Based on a map from the Saucon Rail Trail website, the nearest restrooms currently are 1.5 miles up the trail at Grist Mill Park and the Hellertown-Lower Saucon border.
“I think the people at the Rail Trail will really appreciate the improvement, and I’m supportive of it going there.”Lower Saucon Township Council President Priscilla deLeon
Officials actually applied for $250,000. A quarter-million-dollar spot for the occasion has been carved out in the proposed township budget for next year.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority issues the Local Share Account funding, as provided through the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act. The money allows for new projects of public interest that boost the quality of life in municipalities around the state.
“I think the people at the Rail Trail will really appreciate the improvement, and I’m supportive of it going there,” Council President Priscilla deLeon said Wednesday.
The Saucon Rail Trail runs for 7.5 miles, joining the South Bethlehem Greenway to its north and Upper Bucks Rail Trail farther south.
Future plans
Visitors of the trail are allowed to walk, run or bike. You’ll have to keep the horse at home, though.
In September, Borough Council in nearby Hellertown approved applying for over $600,000 as part of the same grant avenue to build a footbridge and path to connect the Saucon Rail Trail and Tumminello Park.
