Is this "silence" money. Did all the EHT supervisors vote positively for this deal?

Dale High will get exactly what he wants. He always does.

Dale High's political clout as a result of his numerous government bridge building contracts extends deep into Harrisburg, intimidating local and state politicians of both political parties.

It doesn't matter what the majority of citizens may want, or not want.
It doesn't matter what is the best for the majority of local residents.
Dale High asks, the politicians give it to him (usually at great cost to taxpayers), and the local media sells it for him.