By Debbie Hall
A new utility project may be on the horizon in the Martin Farm Loop area of Patrick County.
The Public Service Authority Board is considering a project to install a new water line that would run from the west end of American Legion Road, loop around and come back down to a lot at the corner of Martin Farm Loop Road, according to Tom Rose.
The lot is owned by the Economic Development Authority, and that agency’s board views the project favorably because the addition of utilities would make the 5-acre tract more marketable, according to Bryce Simmons, EDA director.
When explained the proposal to the PSA board Thursday, Rose noted “there are quite a few users that wanted to hookup” to the system.
Simmons estimated 40 customers, based on information he said he obtained from a map.
Simmons and Rose estimated an estimated 11,000 feet of pipe would be installed.
Rose said there also are several avenues for funding the project that would increase the PSA’s water flow and add to the agency’s income.
“We’ve put a model together to bring to the PSA. If we have a viable program, there is support for (loan) forgiveness” with some of the potential grant programs, Rose said.
Scott Eustler, chairman of the PSA Board, asked if that meant a net zero cost.
“I don’t want to say net zero,” Rose said.
“But it’s a possibility,” Eutsler said.
“Yes,” Rose replied.
Potential funding sources include Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program, grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission, Neighborhood Stabilization Programs, Rose said, adding that he has received input on the project from Simmons, Stuart Mayor Ray Weiland and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).
The county previously paid or committed funds to help with the design phase of the project, according to discussion at the meeting Tuesday.
Karl Weiss, who serves on the Patrick County Board of Supervisors and is a liaison PSA board member, said the area under discussion had been included in Phase 2 of a previous PSA project. “But there was so much opposition that it was dropped from the build out” of that project.
Rose said he did not believe the opposition remained.
PSA board member Rodney Kendrick said the project would be “a good benefit because you’re making a loop.”
“It also may have the benefit of making us more efficient and lowering all these costs,” Eutsler asked.
“There are a lot of users there. Bryce and I have driven through it. It’s an attractive project,” Rose said, adding that he will continue discussions with the VDH and work to get a firm count on potential customers.
He said the utility system should denoted in the county’s Geographical Information System (GIS), and plans to obtain a quote for that as well.
Simmons said “any assets you have on GIS” are a boon. “The information it provides is invaluable.”
Rose plans to present additional information to the board at a future meeting.
“I’m excited at the potential products,” Eutsler said.
In other matters, the PSA board:
- Heard an update on delinquent accounts.
“I haven’t seen a lot of added payments being added, if any,” said Ruth Russell, board clerk.
The PSA determined that beginning Aug. 1, 2019, active water and sewer customers had 60 days from the date of the August invoice to pay their bill in full or risk suspension of their service.
If suspended, a $30 fee is required before service is restored.
“We are coming up on the time where it (service) will be shut off,” Eutsler said of the Oct. 10 shut off date.
There are two tiers of service – one is an availability fee and the other is a usage fee.
As of Tuesday, Russell estimated 15 customers would be impacted if service is suspended for usage.
“There’s more on the list, but some are trying to get caught up,” she said.
Russell estimated 12 customers owe past due balances for the mandatory availability fee. “Some it takes months to get caught up, but if they do what they say, we will work with them,” she added.
“I think we’ve been lenient,” Rose said.
For questions about water and/or sewer billing, call Rose at (276) 694-6094 or Russell at (276) 693-2009.
