Lower Paxton Township, Pennsylvania
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Lower Paxton Township is a township in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, United States. The township was incorporated in 1767 from Paxton Township. The population was 44,424 at the 2000 census.
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[edit] Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 28.1 square miles (72.8 km²), all of it land.
Unincorporated communities and census designated places in Lower Paxton Township.
[edit] Demographics
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 44,424 people, 18,584 households, and 12,153 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,580.9 people per square mile (610.4/km²). There were 19,606 housing units at an average density of 697.7/sq mi (269.4/km²). The racial makeup of the township was 86.51% White, 8.28% African American, 0.10% Native American, 2.69% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.04% from other races, and 1.35% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.37% of the population.
There were 18,584 households out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.6% were non-families. 28.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.92.
In the township the population was spread out with 22.5% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 30.9% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 91.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.8 males.
The median income for a household in the township was $49,566, and the median income for a family was $61,017. Males had a median income of $41,147 versus $30,837 for females. The per capita income for the township was $26,116. About 3.2% of families and 4.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.0% of those under age 18 and 2.5% of those age 65 or over.
[edit] Infrastructure
In 2002 the Department of Environmental Protection mandated that the township eliminate sewer overflows in the Paxton Creek Basin by 2012. Overflows happen when extra water goes out manholes during heavy storms. The project involves the replacement of 42 miles of asbestos cement pipes in the Paxton Creek basin, which drains the western half of the township. The $67 million plan will be paid for by residents' sewer bills which will double over the next 20 years. [2]
Ongoing pollution and soil erosion in the region continue to degrade the water quality and the environment locally as well as regionally. Farming, wastewater treatment facilities and industrial spills are cited as contributing factors to loss of water quality. It also contributes to the pollution of the Chesapeake Bay. Controlling the wastewater discharges alone is expected to cost local taxpayers along the Susquehanna River billions of dollars.[3]
Plans for a greenways project are moving forward. Part of the comprehensive plan developed in 2004, the greenway will connect via trails several neighborhoods to five schools, two parks and the Lower Paxton Township Municipal Building. The cost of the multiyear project is estimated at $14 million. [4]
In 2006, the Foundation for Enhancing Communities conducted an extensive study. They identified five critical lissues for Dauphin County which include access to health care, transportation to jobs, substance abuse, job training/workforce development and affordable housing. [5]
[edit] Environment
Local waterways have been significantly impacted by development. The Paxton Creek watershed, which drains much of the area surrounding Harrisburg, has experienced substantial change in land uses during the past several decades. Development is encroaching on some of Paxton Creek’s headwaters. This has affected water levels and flow patterns, and caused significant erosion, sedimentation, and flooding. This 27 square mile watershed now produces over twice the nutrients and 10 times the yields of suspended sediments that are released by typical forested basins, according to the Paxton Creek Watershed and Education Association. [6]
[edit] Notes
- ^ American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
- ^ Fishlock, Diane. "Lower Paxton Twp. approves $67 million sewer plan", July 3, 2007. The Patriot News.
- ^ Reducing Wastewater Pollution, Chesapeake Bay Foundation. July 2002.
- ^ Fishlock, Diane Firm presents Lower Paxton Twp. greenways plan The Patriot News. July 10, 2007
- ^ Critical Issues Community Investment", The Foundation for Enhancing Communities. Harrisburg, PA Sept. 2006.
- ^ 2005 Land Use & Growth Management Report, Pennsylvania Office of Community and Economic Development.
[edit] External links
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