|
Parson's mayor says the city agreed to partially fund the waterline replacement project two years ago. But until the city can show it has the money, the West Virginia Public Service Commission won't allow Parsons to start the project.
Story by Hilary Magacs
Email
| Bio
| Other Stories by Hilary Magacs
PARSONS -- Dale Showalter does not like to drink Parsons city water. He says it is dirty and sometimes has sediment in it.
"I'd rather go drink out of the river sometimes because I've seen some really bad water come through the lines," says Showalter.
Mayor Bill Rosenau agrees. He says the old lines are full of holes, and are costing the city money.
"Parsons has a water loss between 65 and 70 percent. And it's all running out of the old lines that are almost 100 years old," says Rosenau.
Rosenau says in 2007, Parsons received $1.5 million in block grants to replace the old, crumbling lines. He says the work still has not started because Parsons needs to prove to the West Virginia Public Service Commission that it can pay $200,000 of the $2.5 million project. Mayor Rosenau says the city has $30,000 dollars saved and recently asked city council for $70,000 out of a special fund, but council only gave him $58,000.
"The other entities have a right to some of the money too. I know the water project is very important. We all need good water, but we have to look at their needs too to operate," says Pete Roy, a Parsons City Council member.
Rosenau says he sent a letter to the PSC stressing that Parsons is serious about raising the money, and is hoping to start the project soon with its approval. Showalter says the new lines would mean a lot to the community.
"It would make them happy. I know it would make them happy to see it change," says Showalter.
Mayor Rosenau says he is expecting to hear back from the PSC about whether Parsons can start replacing the water lines in about 10 days. |
Subscribe: WBOY Top Stories
