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Brooke water, sewer projects are complete

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Commission learned on Tuesday that after many years in planning or development, two projects involving water or sewer lines have come to an end.

Barbara Zimnox, community development specialist for the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission, said the three-way water tie project involving Wellsburg, Beech Bottom and the Hammond Public Service District is complete.

Zimnox was on hand to present to the commissioners reimbursement for part of the project’s cost in the form of an $8,384 grant from the West Virginia Infrastructure Council.

The council was among many state and local contributors to the $174,684 project, which involved establishing connections between the water systems of the public service district, Wellsburg and Beech Bottom that may be used if a flood or other emergency disrupts service to one of the three.

In 2004 the Hammond PSD water treatment plant was flooded, and its customers were served through water buffalos and bottled water until the plant’s well could be drained and cleared to prevent contamination. In 2009, temporary lines were extended to the district from Wellsburg and the Ohio County Public Service District when a snowstorm left the plant without power for a few days.

Zimnox also told the commission the second phase of the Eldersville Road sewer project is nearly complete.

The $1.7 million project involves the extension of sewer lines to more than 100 customers in the Eldersville Road area between Peacock Lane and Boyd Road and the Cross Creek area, including the community of Louise.

It was funded by a $1.5 million federal Small Cities Block Grant and 30-year state loan.

Zimnox said the Brooke County Public Service District board was able to add several additional homes to the original project area.

Commissioner Jim Andreozzi said that was possible through the inclusion of pump stations and the use of gravity flow to reach more customers than anticipated.

Zimnox said once the project is officially closed, the district may apply for another Small Cities Block Grant for other unserved areas. But she added it will be more difficult to secure it because at least 51 percent of the population served by the project must have low to moderate incomes.

In related business, the commission received a letter of resignation from Lloyd Van Horn, a member of the Hammond PSD board; and a letter from Cathy Martindill of Wellsburg in serving on the board.

Next week the commission may fill Van Horn’s seat and another held by John Krzywdik, who also has resigned. Until then it’s accepting letters of interest in the two seats through the office of County Clerk Sylvia Benzo at the county courthouse.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)

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