DOT Gives Hopatcong Extra $60K for Hopatchung Road, Borough Hall Improvements

The Department of Transportation will give Hopatcong an extra $62,345 for improvements on Hopatchung Road and . The money will be added to the $337,121 American Recovery and Investment Act-funded project started in late September.

Borough engineer John Ruschke said the extra cash will pay for "three or four" extra streetlights placed on Hopatchung Road; a walkway in front of borough hall for the planned firefighters' memorial; an electronic display sign also to be placed in front of borough hall; and curbing.

The project is mostly complete. Sidewalks and curbs were replaced on Hopatchung Road, and 26 streetlights were added.

Ruschke also said he wants Covino & Sons, the project's contractor, to make a $16,085.50 payment to subcontractors. He said it would be a partial payment to the companies that manufactured the streetlights and electronic sign.

"I still have concerns regarding the contractor we're working with now, regarding his financial stability," Ruschke said Wednesday's mayor and council meeting at borough hall. "We've had situations with other towns where there's problems paying subcontractors and I don't want to get at the end of this project and find out that we have to chase down means and other problems."

"It's a unique situation and we're in unique times," Rushchke said later. "That's why we're doing it this way."