Water authority to construct new $29 million water treatment plant
DUNBAR TWP. — The North Fayette County Municipal Authority will move forward to replace its 115-year-old water treatment plant.
In unanimous action Tuesday, the panel agreed that new construction, while costly, is the only feasible option to address the aging plant.
“We have done our due diligence,” said Phil Mahoney, board chairman.
In June, the board commissioned Senate Engineering of Uniontown to examine the feasibility of constructing a new plant and to determine the cost of purchasing water from the neighboring Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County (MAWC) should it be more cost-effective to abandon the plant.
The preliminary report revealed both would cost about $29 million.
The hefty price tag drew the concern of the board members. Senate then was directed to evaluate the current plant to determine the cost to rehabilitate the facility and bring it into compliance.
That cost, too, was excessive.
“To put millions of dollars into a deteriorating structure is not a good investment,” said Bob Softcheck, authority general manager.
On Tuesday, Senate engineer Richard Barnett advised the board that after looking at multiple aspects for the three options, it was clear to build a new plant would allow the authority to meet its future needs.
“It will allow you to maintain your (water) allocation and be in control of your rate schedule,” he said.
According to the Senate study, the 14,700 customers will likely see their monthly water bills increase by about $5.10 to allow the authority to meet its debt payments.
Senate indicated that the project could be funded through a long-term, low-interest loan through PENNVEST or by securing municipal bonds.
The authority is negotiating with Coastal Lumber Co., of Buchannon, West Virginia, to purchase a 292-acre tract adjacent to the current plant for the construction of the replacement facility.
An independent appraiser is reviewing the property to determine its value.
Barnett noted that the $29 million price tag includes costs tied to the acquisition of the property and construction contingencies.
The board directed Senate to assemble a team of geo-technical engineers, electrical, structural and architectural personnel to determine the scope of work to be completed and the cost associated with the design of the project.
Barnett speculated it would take up to 3 years to prepare the plans and secure the relevant permits and another two years to construct the plant.
After some additional discussion, the board agreed to proceed.
“Let’s go,” said Mahoney in calling for a vote in the matter.
In addition to Mahoney, board members Tony Georgiana, Pat Trimbath, Mark Yauger, Barbara Fetsko, Rich DiCenzo and Vince Weaver agreed to proceed with the project.