DUBOIS – Clear Run residents voiced their concerns about a proposed, new waterline project at this week’s Sandy Township Supervisors’ meeting.
A waterline for the Clear Run area has been proposed as a Community Development Block Grant project for 2016 funds. Clear Run residents currently have sewage but utilize well water.
It was noted that Sandy Township’s allocation for 2016 is $137,410. Of that, $112,677 has been proposed to be used for the Clear Run waterline if the 51 percent moderate- to low-income qualification is met per public surveys.
It was also noted that surveys have been mailed to residents in the area, and a door-to-door supplemental survey was launched at the same time to speed up the process.
“We started the walk-through survey prior to when the paper surveys came in,” said Township Engineer Perry Bowser. Surveys ask about the income and number of occupants of each residence.
For residents, there would be a $1,500 cost to tap into the line. Residents would be responsible for the costs from the tap to the meter, as well.
Some residents who showed up at the supervisors’ meeting objected to having to pay for water when they were happy with their well water now.
According to Bowser, once hooked into the water system, Clear Run residents wouldn’t any longer be allowed to use well water inside their homes.
Resident John Williams threatened to have five rental structures removed in order to avoid the installation costs.
Other residents voiced that they did not see any need for a waterline when there weren’t any known issues with wells in the area.
The one complaint Bowser presented was about the lack of public water rather than an issue with well water.
Township Supervisor Dave Sylvis pointed out that it is easier to run the waterline now while there are funds for it. Later on when there is a need, there may not be the funds for a waterline, he said.
All of the supervisors expressed their appreciation for the Clear Run residents voicing their concerns on the matter.
Collectively, the supervisors noted that the project wasn’t finalized and that they would look into the project further. If it wasn’t needed, the 2016 CDBG funds would be used on an alternate project, they said.
“If it turns out there is not a need or a want, then there are other projects to seek out,” added Township Supervisor Jim Jeffers.