CRANBERRY TWP — The township supervisors Thursday awarded $48.8 million in four contracts for expansion and renovation to the Brush Creek Water Pollution Control Facility.

The supervisors rejected the first round of bids and revised plans after the bids came in higher than expected in February.

Officials anticipated the project to cost about $40 million, but the low bids the first time came in at $56 million.

Township staff was able to reduce costs by deferring several renovations to a second phase of work, said Jason Kratsas, township director of engineering and environmental services.

They anticipate a second phase will be needed in about 10 years.

The general construction contract, for $35.6 million, went to Mascaro Construction of Pittsburgh. Mascaro offered the lowest bid out of three companies.

The Brush Creek facility serves most of the residents of the township and some residents in Bradford Woods and Pine, New Sewickley and Marshall townships.

Marshall will contribute a percentage to the project, anticipated to be about $7.7 million, based on its usage.

Last July, the Cranberry supervisors approved a $32 million bond to pay for the project. They also increased the sewer rates from $7.16 to $7.98 per thousand gallons of water, which took effect Oct. 20. This costs the average ratepayer $4.10 more per month.

The township will have to look at financing options to cover the final $10.1 million of this project, township manager Jerry Andree said.

Officials expect the work to begin this summer and be done by the summer of 2019.