GBSWA moves forward on Culp’s Run renovation

Although there are many projects to tackle, the Gettysburg Borough Storm Water Authority’s (GBSWA) current focus is on the rehabilitation of Culp’s Run. The project will restore the stream that runs west from Rock Creek into the borough south of Middle St. and ends near Lincoln Elementary School.

“The Culp’s Run project is the most important project we can do in the next 5 to 10 year period,” said GBSWA Chair Mike Malewicki.  “Hopefully it will start this summer if everything goes to plan. We are excited about Culp’s run and getting grants so we can focus on what matters to the town.”

culps run

The goal of the project is to restore the stream to a more natural state and prevent flooding.

The mission of GSWA is to replace and correct existing problems in the borough’s storm water infrastructure. Malewicki said the current storm water drainage is in metal pipes that are rusting and deteriorating. “We have (state and federal) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) requirements that we want to meet. It’s nobody’s fault, it’s just old and time to renew this stuff.”

But these projects are not cheap and cannot be completed without government funds. Malewicki said GBSWA is continually applying for federal and state grants to cover the cost of rehabilitation and improvements. “Grant money is important [but] not guaranteed,” he said.

Some costs are covered by the storm water fee paid by residents and organizations in the borough. Although these fees alone aren’t enough to cover the cost of the project, they are still important to the longevity of the MS4 systems.

Malewicki said these annual assessments are fees, not taxes. “A fee covers everybody. The not-for-profits pay, not just the citizens. It is a fair way because everyone is affected by stormwater,” he said. “it would be great if we could reduce our annual fees. But that is not going to happen without assistance from the state.”

Malewicki said he was confident the GBSWA would spend the money wisely. “GBSWA does not throw money around; we always look at the return on investment,” he said.

Currently the Culp’s Run project has not been funded by a federal or state government grant. “I happen to think we have a very great project, and it mystifies me that it hasn’t been picked up yet. We think we have a solid proposal and hope that whoever is reading it will grant us the money,” said Malewicki.

Malewicki said GSWA’s overall job is to fix whatever problems might arise from storm water drainage so the borough can have stable infrastructure for years to come.

“But our goal is to go out of business as quickly as we can,” he said.

To find out more about the Gettysburg Borough Storm Water Authority, please visit their website at https://www.gettysburgpa.gov/gettysburg-borough-storm-water-authority-gbswa

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My name is Wilson Schultz and I am a rising senior studying at Gettysburg College pursuing a degree in Political Science, with minors in Creative Writing and Environmental Studies. I am from Denver, Colorado and am deeply involved in outdoor activities such as climbing, canoeing, backpacking, and skiing. At Gettysburg, I serve as Outdoor Facilitator with the Garthwait Leadership Center as well as maintain and set climbs in the Jaeger Center's "Den". After a gap semester studying with the School of the New York Times, I have been pursuing a career in journalism.

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