Water project discussed at town and county joint meeting

Construction on the Virginia-North Carolina Water Authority facility is expected to begin either in late 2008 or early 2009, Bobby Lane with Lane Engineering reported during a Jan. 29 joint meeting of the Alleghany County Board of Commissioners and the Sparta Town Council. Even though construction is expected in late '08, Lane said the best- case scenario would have construction starting in late ‘07 or early '08. "Our goal, if we really push it, is to start construction late this year or early next year," Lane replied when asked by Town Council member Mike Parlier.

Construction of the intake facility is expected to take one year to 18 months.

Addressing the appearance of the intake valves or well heads, Town Manager Bryan Edwards said they would be disguised. He noted that a well cover, made to look like part of the natural environment, would help in that respect.

While addressing the appearance of the filtration plant, which will be located off the riverbank on the Virginia side near U.S. 21 at a thus far unspecified spot, Lane stated, "If we put these here beside the New River, we will not use these old, rusty-looking metal buildings. What you can use...is something that looks like a cabin (or) looks like a home because you don't (want) to build this big, massive, conventional water plant-looking structure."

Prior to the presentation, Mayor John Miller welcomed everyone, including the new commissioners.

"Our new commissioners I'm sure have heard about our regional water project. Tonight, you're going to learn more about it than you have known. As I've said before, looking back, I think we'll look and see that this was the thing that we did that we can all be proud of."

Sparta Town Manager Bryan Edwards noted that he and County Manager Don Adams, along with Councilman John Brady and Commissioner J. Warren Taylor represent Alleghany County and the Town of Sparta on the regional water authority. There are four representatives from Grayson County (Va.).

"We have now been working with Lane Engineering (about) a year-and-a- half," Edwards said. "These folks have done a real good job in terms of putting the project together for us. The regional water authority is incorporated in the state of Virginia, but the authority does have some power in regulations regarding the operation of the water authority in North Carolina."

Speaking on behalf of the company, Lane told the boards, "Lane Engineering is very happy to have worked with the water authority in developing the project."

Lane covered the high points in regards to the water authority. He noted the first thing to be answered is whether or not there is a need for the project. During the explanation, Lane pointed out the wells that the town still has operating on a daily basis "experience problems with either water quality or water quantity. Lane continued, "Not only do we have problems from the standpoint of furnishing water to our existing customers, but when we go back and look at what happens if we try to attract and retain industry?

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