CCEC Bulletin: 
CCEC, Inc. - 1/23/2007

Wade In(to) The Water!

Special BoC Meeting & Public Information session 1/29/07

While visiting the County web site yesterday CCEC found this notice:
“Notice is hereby given that the Chatham County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting in the Chatham County Superior Courtroom, Courthouse Circle, Pittsboro, NC, on Monday, January 29, 2007 beginning at 6:00 PM…  The purpose of the meeting is to hold a public informational session to receive input and exchange information on Chatham County’s long-range water issues.”

[And might we add that the potential cost to the county could be some $70 MILLION!!!]

This is an invitation not to be ignored as our Commissioners begin to enact their intent to keep the public informed and involved through open government processes.  So, roll up your pants legs or break out your scuba gear and take the plunge into this critical issue that will have a major effect on everyone’s quality of life, including the pocket book.
 
Here’s your chance to receive information from County Commissioners and hired county water experts from Hobbs Upchurch that includes an explanation of what is needed and why it's needed, the various options available to Chatham, costs of same, how to pay for the projects as well as expected completion date/s.  And since this is a two way street, it is your opportunity to offer reasoned input to leaders who want to listen to comments and field questions from thoughtful citizens.
 
A water-proof calculator may also prove to be a helpful tool to keep track of the kind of numbers that will be gushing forth as the stream of needs meanders through the county’s resources for meeting them:

$27,884,000 (budgeted ) and  $25,380,375 (actual) for:

  $8,034,220 - Pea Ridge Main Transmission Line

  $2,290,559 - North Chatham Hydraulic Improvements

  $1,700,000 - Silk Hope Water Main Extension

     $355,596 - Southern Supreme Water Main

$13,000,000 - Western Transmission Lines
$25,380,375 (actual)

Harnett County supply of 6 million gallons per day (gpd) is about $32,000,000, so the grand total is in the ball park of $57,000,000 - $59,000,000.

However, $58,000,000 does not include the upgrade of our own water treatment plant (plus needed upgrades to our intake with Cary) to increase our supply to 6 million gpd. This could cost another $11-13,000,000, boosting the total anticipated expenditures to around $70,000,000. This figure is equivalent to approximately the cost of two high schools in dollars spent.  With this kind of potential monetary impact upon our future, it is incumbent upon all of us to become more knowledgeable citizens through participation in public information sessions such as this.

There should be no disagreement that a public presentation and dialogue session is warranted for considerations of this magnitude, and that citizens should make the most of this opportunity to participate in the process of self governance. 

Please make time on your calendars for next Monday evening, January 29, at the Superior Courthouse on the traffic circle in Pittsboro, with proceedings beginning at 6:00 p.m.

CCEC will prepare a follow-up to this bulletin with further facts and figures to assist citizens in preparing for Monday’s session.