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By Bob Weaver
A new $4 million public water project for Calhoun was boosted last night by the
Calhoun Commission. The ambitious Rt. 16-Sand Ridge water extension will bring
service to nearly 200 customers over a wide area of Calhoun.
The project was started by the Mt. Zion Public Service District about three years
ago, according to Wilma Mace, President of the PSD. About $2.4 million RUS money
has been designed for the extension, she said.
Last night the Commission asked the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council to apply for
$1.5 million in financing from the Small Cities Block Grant program to complete a
financial package for the project.
It will bring public water stretching up the West Fork along Route 16 south to the
Upper West Fork Community Park, in addition to customers along Rt. 33-119 from
Millstone to Sand Ridge, out Sassafras Ridge, connecting to Russett.
The Rt. 16-Sand Ridge project would have a cost/user ratio of $21,311 per hook-up,
using 112,450 feet of waterline with 8.59 customers per mile.
The water project was discussed during a public meeting, held during the
Commission meeting.
Marjorie Jones, speaking for residents of Norman Ridge, asked for service to that
area. Hildreth and Associates from Spencer said the initial study on the Norman
Ridge area indicates the project may have a high cost/user ratio which could
prevent it from being considered as an individual project.
The Norman Ridge project is estimated to cost $1,300,000 for 47 customers, using
52,500 feet of waterline at a cost of $27,000 per hook-up, with 4.73 customers per
mile.
The Commission will likely consider combining a number of areas for the next water
project to reduce the cost/user ratio, which could place Norman Ridge back on the
map. Norman Ridge, Munday Road, Route 7 and possibly other areas could be in line
after the Rt. 16-Sand Ridge project is fully funded.
Luke Peters with the MOVRC said only one project can be funded at a time using
Small Cities Block Grant funds. Right now, that is the Rt. 16-Sand Ridge project.
Grace Richards, speaking for customers of the Pleasant Hill PSD, said "The PSD line
is in such poor condition, we have breaks every few days." Concerns were
expressed over the improper installation of the lines about 25 years ago. Peters and
Hildreth said it was highly unlikely money could be accessed for rebuilding the line.
"It will have to be fixed one section at a time," said Hildreth.
Luke Peters said the Back Fork project will be moving ahead soon. Eighteen
customers on Sugar Camp are requesting water through the Back Fork project, and
the Commission is attempting to make that addition part of the Back Fork bid
package.
In other Commission business:
Paul Funk spoke to the Commission regarding clarification of the operation of the Wayne Underwood Field Committee.
The Commission granted the Wood Festival permission to use county property around the courthouse.
The Commission appointed Roy Pursley of Mt. Zion as Deputy OES Director.
Accepted was the resignation of Ronald Gordon Sr. as County Dog Warden.
The Commission will meet April 15 to lay the levy for the county.
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