A tributary stabilization stream bank restoration doesn’t sound like that big of a deal, but that project, which kicked off Thursday in Cranberry Township, is part of an ongoing countywide collaboration between municipalities.

An article in the Sunday, March 24, Butler Eagle by Zach Petroff heralded the groundbreaking for the project, which will reduce sediment in Brush Creek and allow the water to flow in its intended path instead of backing up farther upstream and flooding another municipality.

The Butler Southwest Stormwater Planning Group formed a few years ago to bring municipalities together to work and fund projects that will help all the townships and boroughs in the group.

Cranberry and Jackson townships, plus Zelienople, Harmony and Evans City are the municipalities in the group.

Mike Manipole, chairman of the Cranberry supervisors, said successful collaboration between municipalities and their elected officials is one of the greatest aspects of the project.

Manipole said the collaboration between municipalities regarding flooding due to development is demonstrated in the tributary stabilization stream restoration.

Cranberry Township and Butler County officials attended the groundbreaking for the project, which will see 320,000 pounds of sediment removed from a 7,000-foot stretch of the creek in the township.

The project was largely made possible by a $664,000 grant from the Butler County Municipal Infrastructure program.

Leslie Osche, county commissioners chairwoman, pointed out at the groundbreaking that collaborative efforts rise to the top of the list in the current grant atmosphere, where funding is limited.

Dan Santoro, Cranberry Township manager, said working with other municipalities on the plan allowed local leaders to share ideas and experiences and help navigate avenues of revenue together.

Santoro said collaboration and cooperation always brings results.

The Butler Eagle salutes the municipal leaders in the townships and boroughs that comprise the stormwater planning group.

It’s not always easy to compromise for the good of a neighbor, but in doing so, these men and women are serving current residents and future homeowners and business owners in their efforts.

— PG