South Whitehall Director of Operations Randy Cope reported at the April 4 commissioners’ meeting, he is applying to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for a $200,000 to $300,000 grant for improvements at Covered Bridge Park.

The funds would be used for a new 30-car parking lot for the soccer field, a new playground for all ages, including a tot lot, and landscaping.

Cope is also re-submitting a grant request to DCNR for $175,000 for renovations to the Mill House at the corner of Wehr Mill and River roads near the covered bridge.

The amount would be used to install a visitors center, a Jordan Greenway information section, and the parks and recreation department office in the house built in 1850.

“We did not receive the grant when we applied last year,” Cope said. “We’ll try again.”

In other business, commissioners issued a proclamation designating April PA 811 Safe Digging Month.

Assistant Public Works Manager Jerry Charvalla explained before doing any excavating, property owners need to call 811 to notify utilities and prevent injuries and damage.

Established 45 years ago, the Pennsylvania One Call system is a utility information center which aims to minimize damage to underground utility lines, danger to workers, environmental pollution and loss of service to residents.

The proclamation, which states safe digging is no accident, reminds homeowners to call 811 at least three business days before excavating in order to “Know What’s Below.”

Charvalla reported Jim Balliet, the township’s utility locator, is familiar with South Whitehall water and sanitary sewer lines, underground cables and other services beneath the surface.

Charvalla noted Balliet averages 10 calls a day. Some may be as brief as 30 minutes, others involve hours of time for accurate delineation.

Under the 811 system, if a property owner makes the call and follows the correct procedure, he or she will be OK.

If the call is not made before excavating and a line is hit, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to pay for repairs.