Sparta seeks water answers on the New

The Sparta Town Council last week agreed to explore the possibility of joining with Independence, Va. to build a water treatment plant near the state line.

The effort would also involve Alleghany County, as well as Grayson County, Va. and regional government commissions in both states. With a unanimous vote at its Sept. 3 meeting, council passed three resolutions: a commitment to a feasibility study for the plant; another to apply for grant funds which would pay for most of the cost of the study; and a third resolution to establish a water conservation education and information program.

Town Manager Tom Douglas said the total cost of such a project would be about $73 million. The plant would be located along U.S. 21 near the New River bridge between Sparta and Independence.

"We see 21 toward Independence as another growth corridor," Douglas said, adding that he has learned that that part of the river is not designated as scenic.

He said he met in February with Independence Mayor Butch Reeves to talk about the possibility of the joint project. Four of that town's wells have failed, Douglas said, and another has had problems. "They're in a critical situation."

Discussions have also included representatives of the two counties, Region D Council of Governments in North Carolina and Mount Rogers Planning District in Virginia, as well as New River Community Partners Director Patrick Woodie, representing that organization.

The commitment resolution as written cites the need to avoid public health threats associated with failing water infrastructure, as well as the Town of Sparta's seeking to maintain and prepare its infrastructure for continuing economic development.

Get the rest of this article in this week's issue of the Alleghany News! Back