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KINGWOOD - In order to close out Newburg’s ARPA funds, Preston County commissioners voted for a change of scope that would move the funds from land to legal and permitting. All ARPA funds must be used before Oct. 31 or be sent back to the funding source.
When contacted, Sheena Hunt, Executive Director of Region VI Planning and Development Council, said the funds were connected to a 19-year wait for water service that might end in 2027, when the groundbreaking for the Independence water extension could take place.
"It’s anticipated it will take three or four months to get through the bidding process to get a contractor on duty," she said. "Groundbreaking could possibly be early spring. We have all of the permits except the one from the railroad."
Newburg Mayor Edgar Fortney said it has taken a long time to get to this point. Both he and members of the Newburg Water Board have been working to provide water to Independence since 2008.
"We’re closer and farther along than we’ve ever been before," Fortney said. "They’re working on permits and right of ways. But it will be spring before any actual water lines can go in."
The first phase of the project was completed in 2020. It extended the water line as far as the former Independence School and provided water to less than half the customers who requested service.
Fortney said the first phase of the project provided water to only 20 customers. He said this second endeavor will provide water to 70 additional customers. Bringing the town a total of 90 new customers when it is completed.
In other business, commissioners:
— Voted to proclaim Sept. 17 to 23 as Constitution Week. Linda Huggins invited to public to attend a bell-ringing at 3:30 p.m. today on the courthouse lawn.
— Proclaimed that Sept. 25 of every year be designated as a National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Megan Fields said there will be a candle-lighting for all murder victims at noon Sept. 21 on the courthouse lawn to honor murder victims.
— Approved Sheriff Scott Spiker’s request to hire Marcus Elliott as a deputy. Elliot was sworn in Wednesday and will start at a salary of $52,000 a year.
The next meeting of the Preston County Commission will be at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 22.