Walker Township supervisors gave the green light to securing funds to finance a road repair project.

Township Secretary Ann Ostergaard reported that the township received a commitment letter from Mauch Chunk Trust for a $500,000 loan at 2.375 percent. The funds are targeted for the road repair project.

The commitment letter represents only that the township could borrow the funds at that interest rate should it move forward with the road project. The township has not yet received the funds nor has the loan been executed.

The project consists primarily of road repairs set to begin in 2019. Before securing the funds and proceeding with the project, the township will need approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

The supervisors authorized township solicitor Chris Riedlinger to begin the paperwork process to gain the DCED approval. Riedlinger anticipated having the paperwork ready for the November meeting.

In other business, the supervisors and solicitor discussed at length the Eastern Schuylkill Regional Planning.

Changes had been proposed, and Riedlinger noted that the other three entities — Rush and Schuylkill townships and Tamaqua Borough — have all approved the changes and are waiting for Walker Township to do the same.

Riedlinger and Supervisor Christine Troxell then engaged in a long conversation regarding an amendment that had been proposed, the end result of which was that the amendment would be tabled for now.

Roadmaster Chad Felty presented the board with two options for the existing plow. He read a list of necessary repairs that would need to be made, though he did not have a dollar figure as to how much the repairs would cost.

The other option, Felty said, would be to replace the plow with a new one. He secured a quote of $5,000 for the purchase and installation of a new plow. The supervisors directed him to get the plow repaired.

Felty also reported to the board that he had bids on the line painting project, and DBI Services of Hazleton offered the best rate of 6.5 cents per linear foot. The total distance of the project would be approximately 100,000 feet. The board approved the work to proceed.

The charred remains of a home that burned on Gameland Drive on Wildcat Mountain in March of this year was also discussed.

Riedlinger told the board that the property should be demolished by the owner of the property.

If the township receives no response from the owner, the board should use the escrow account to fund a demolition of the property, Riedlinger said.

The board’s next public meeting will be held Oct. 4.