Commission tables Ennice water issue

Citing the fact that the costs appear prohibitive, the Alleghany County Board of Commissioners tabled action on a water request from several Ennice area residents. However, the commissioners did leave the door open for future talks on the matter.

County Manager Don Adams presented the commission with information from a community meeting held on Aug. 14, including cost estimates from Adams-Heath Engineering of Galax, Va. showing the cost to run a six-inch water line from the Virginia line to Foggy Mountain General Store at the intersection of N.C. 18 and Edmonds Road. According to the numbers supplied, a pumping station, which would be needed to boost water pressure from the 26 pounds provided on the Grayson County, Va. side to the 30 pounds at each meter required in North Carolina, would cost an estimated $85,000. The figures, which assume all 12 of the potential customers utilize the line, also show the cost for water meters, water lines, a gate valve and road crossings for lines. The total distance is 1,100 feet, with a construction cost of $131,000, which would reach $157,300 with engineering costs and contingencies. A second choice, labeled ‘limited participation' shows the overall cost number at $144,600.

Adams said 23 people attended the meeting, of whom three lived outside the service area, five lived in the area of the cost estimate and 15 lived in what could be considered a realistic service area. A map he provided showing the location of the addresses of those who attended shows addresses from Davis Farm Lane, Glade Valley Road, N.C. 18 and Crestview Lane. Those writing down their addresses did not indicate whether or not they would sign up for water if it were available.

Adams pointed out that service to a wider area could help spread the costs, but at least 80 percent of the residents in the area would need to be asking for the service in order for the county to be considered for low interest loans. In addition, he pointed out that water bills would need to be in the $20 to $30 range as well.

He reiterated information given at the community meeting the week prior, including the fact that the gas station could re-open if the service lines from its tanks to the pumps were replaced.

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