Water Line Construction Begins

Construction on the County Line Road waterline has begun for the Jasper County Water & Sewer Authority.

The start of the pipeline installation phase follows the approval of the bond validation by Judge Hulane George last Tuesday. Consulting engineer Frank Sherrill of Hightower Consulting explained the ramifications of the judge’s action best.

“You now legally owe $2.2 million,” said the engineer.
{{more}}
Last Tuesday was doubly significant for the authority in regards to the multi-million dollar project.

A pre-construction meeting was conducted with Bill Perry of Southeast Pipeline Construction, Inc., the firm awarded the construction contract. A November 10 start date was established and an approximate completion date of July 7 was set.

Authority members voted to establish a new meter connection fee deadline for prospective water customers. Future water customers are expected to pay the connection fee when pipeline construction begins in the immediate area no later than April 30. The original deadline was December 31.

Financial arrangements were made to establish construction loans from McIntosh State Bank, $1.371 million, and the Bank of Monticello, $875,000, with construction accounts opened at both institutions.

In other financial news discussions, the board will submit actual cost figures for the Charlie Elliot project to the Department of Natural Resources. The state agency pre-paid the total pre-estimated amount of the project.

Four potential small-scale projects were identified as possible uses for excess County Line road funds. Projects included serving a small portion in the Jackson Lake Road area, and three areas clustered within the vicinity of Rocky Creek Road.

While some members expressed an interest in the Rocky Creek area that would serve to extend the reach of the County Line Road project, the majority of the authority voted to pursue the Jackson Lake Road project. Estimates provided by Mr. Sherrill reflected that some 28 potential water customers could be served by 10 inch pipe installation at a cost of $312,000.

Before adjourning, board members heaped accolades upon former chairman Merrill Clark as new president Roger Bell took the helm. Mr. Clark had served as chairman since the authority formed in 1998.