| By Bob Weaver
While more customers have signed up for a proposed $4 million water extension in Calhoun, it is still short, even through the required number has been down-sized.
The long sought project would bring public water to Rt. 16 south of Arnoldsburg-Chloe and to Millstone, Sand Ridge, Sassafras Ridge and Russett.
It is at risk with the deadline coming next Wednesday.
Wilma Mace, secretary for the Mount Zion PSD, says a major door-to-door effort has brought the total to 116.
The required number to move the project ahead is 150, down from 183.
Mace said 35 individuals signed statements they did not want the water.
"There are about four houses we are going to re-visit, people not being at home," said Mace, indicating several people have obtained the applications but have yet to return them.
"Several of the agreements have been mailed and delivered to people who are interested," Mace said, "Hopefully we'll have enough by Wednesday."
Engineer Jim Hildreth said the 21-mile, $4 million package is about 80% grants with a 20% loan, "Something we're highly unlikely to see again," a mostly taxpayer supported project.
Signers have been asked to pay a $100 tap fee and agree to get water for three years. The average water bill would be about $26 a month.
"We'll be asking them to pay the $100 tap fee and agree to three years of water service," said Mace, indicating the minimum water bill would be about $26 a month.
The first efforts toward expanding Mt. Zion PSD services was 12 years ago when a feasibility study was done for Sand Ridge-Sassafras Ridge.
The current project was launched by the Mt. Zion PSD and the Calhoun Commission nine years ago.
The water table has fallen and drought conditions have created problems. Potable drinking water is scarce.
The project will raise property values, help reduce fire insurance premiums because of the closeness of fire hydrants and improve the chances for development in the 21st century.
"If residents fail to meet the minimum numbers, a second chance will be years coming," Mace said.
This project has qualified for one of the biggest loans from FHA ($1.8 million). "They will want to shift it to another project right away," she said.
The Calhoun Commission has advised that another water project for the area would be years away.
Contact regarding service, Mace at 304-354-6822.
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