by Toby Dougherty
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I would like to take this opportunity to update everyone on the sewer expansion project. Notice to proceed was given to the contractors on Nov. 29. The financing is in place, and we are ready to roll.
The project is divided into two areas with a separate contractor for each area. One area is the expansion of the collection system which will be done by Sterling Excavation of Jefferson City. The other area is the refurbishing of the existing treatment facility which will be completed by Irvinbilt of Chillicothe.
The goal of the expansion of the collection system is to provide sewer service to those within the city limits who are not currently serviced by the City’s existing system. Most of you know who you are. If you are in the city limits and are unsure if you will be serviced by this expansion, please contact me at city hall 663-2011.
I have spoken with Sterling, and they are looking to get started as soon as possible. They have moved quite a bit of material to town already, and more is showing up every day. Once they get started, Sterling will attempt to contact each property owner that is going to be serviced by the expansion. They will be looking for the best location to “stub” onto each property.
As the main line is being installed down a street or right of way, the contractor will “stub” a short line to each property being served. This is the line that the property owner will then need to hook to their existing sewer line. If you are not sure where the best location for this stub would be, you should find out before the work starts. If you are renting a dwelling that will be serviced by the project, you should contact the property owner in order to determine the best location for the stub.
The collection system expansion is divided into five independent areas. Once an area is completed, tested, approved by the inspectors, residents will be notified by the city that they can begin hooking up. It will be the responsibility of the property owner to hook up to the system.
We have been working for the past year to find a way to include money in this project that would cover the property owners cost to hook up to the system. As of this time we have not been able to get approval from USDA to pay for hook ups with project money. We are still working with USDA in order to find some way to make this work. However, do not count on any help at this time and please plan accordingly.
There are two ordinances concerning this area of the sewer project that will be on the agenda for the Dec. 13 meeting of the Gallatin Board of Aldermen. The first ordinance will make it mandatory for a property owner in the city limits to hook up to the sewer once it is made available. This is something that has been mandated by USDA and is a condition of the grant and bond financing.
The second ordinance will do two things. First, it will waive the $300 connection fee for those being compelled to hook up to the sewer as a result of this project. Second, it will give those same persons a 90 day grace period to hook up to the system once it is offered.
As I stated before, it is the responsibility of the property owner to hook up to the system once it is made available. The cost to hook up will vary with each property. The USDA, through its 504 program, offers property owners 1% interest loans that can be used to cover this cost as well as grants for those who are elderly or on fixed income. Information on the 504 program can be picked up at city hall.
There are several contractors in the area who are interested in hooking people to the new system. A list of these contractors can also be obtained at city hall. It is a good idea to prepare ahead of time for hooking your residence up to the system.
If you have any questions about the project, please contact me at city hall.
Toby Dougherty
Gallatin City Administrator