“These are huge projects for these small communities,” Whitehair said.
By: Lydia Crawley
The Parsons Advocate
During the Board’s regular May 21st meeting, the Blackwater Public Service District provided an update on the progress of various water and sewer projects in Davis and Thomas. Board member and Davis Mayor Al Tomson provided the update. Also present was Board Member Judy Cronauer and Region VII Representatives, Executive Director Shane Whitehair and Project Specialist Lisa Karickhoff. Tucker County Commissioner Fred Davis and Tucker County Commission President Mike Rosenau attended in the audience, as well. “These are huge projects for these small communities,” Whitehair said. “As far as they have gotten with these is pretty substantial.”
Tomson said that the sewer collection projects in Davis and Thomas were vital to the future of the PSD. According to Tomson, the collection systems of both towns were needing upgraded prior to consolidation in the future with the PSD. “It has to get done,” Tomson said. “The money is there and for the PSD standpoint, we need to get the collection systems in order before we consolidate into the PSD.”
Whitehair informed the board that the engineers are working on right of way agreements and easements. Region VII is also looking to procure the final $2.7 million for the project, according to Whitehair. “There’s a couple of options that we are pursuing,” Whitehair said. “We still don’t know exactly what the best option will be, but that is ongoing and hopefully we will know sooner rather than later.”
Tomson said that the project in Davis to update infrastructure is moving along with groundbreaking anticipated for the fall. “So our project is still moving forward for Davis,” Tomson said. “We’re still looking at potentially breaking ground in the fall. If not in the fall, it will be after winter in the Spring.”
Thomas, according to Whitehair, have several water and sewer projects currently in the works. Whitehair said the engineers have completed required paperwork and are expected to submit to the Infrastructure Council June 10th. “They got a lot of stuff going on with their water and sewer,” Whitehair said. “There’s like three or four projects going on at once.”
Rosenau praised the towns for their diligence in seeking out funding for the projects, as well as the effort they have put forth in completing the necessary work to the existing sewer systems. “I applaud them for working so diligently to get it done while the funding is there,” Rosenau said.
Rosenau and Tomson both thanked Whitehair and Region VII for their assistance with not only the PSD, but the infrastructure improvement projects in Davis and Thomas. “We couldn’t do it without Region VII,” Tomson said. “Its new to us, we are learning as we go. You guys keep us straight and you’re good at your jobs. We appreciate you.”
Whitehair commended the cooperation of Davis and Thomas in the process and said that both projects were “full steam ahead” towards completion. “We got good teams on both side, Thomas and Davis, and they are doing really well,” Whitehair said. “Its full steam ahead.”
