By STEPHANIE A. JAMES
Staff Writer
The Town of Pamplin is applying for a $1 million grant to implement a sewer system on the west side of town.
The town is hoping to fund the project through a Community Development Block Grant so that Pamplin’s newly installed public sewer system could be extended to the west side.
During a public hearing last Thursday, Scott Smith of the Local Government Council for Region 2000, who is helping the town with the application process, provided specifics about the grant to citizens.
“These grants are competitive but the state recognizes Pamplin’s need,” said Smith.
Region 2000 is requesting that west side homeowners complete a survey so that funding eligibility could be determined.
The survey asks for household income and the number of people in the household to determine qualifications.
“If you live by yourself and make less than $33,700, you will qualify for assistance,” said Smith.
Along with household income, the demand for the sewer service will be assessed as well through the survey by asking homeowners do they have problems with their septic field.
Smith said that it would not be a mandatory connection.
Smith explained that the town council recommends that if someone has a problem with their septic field or well, they should connect to the sewer system now as opposed to later.
Sewer service already has been provided to the east side of Pamplin, at a cost of $3.2 million and was funded by a combination of loans as well as grants.
During the public hearing, Pamplin property owner Dickie Williams inquired about why the town is only applying for $1 million in funding for the west side.
If the treatment plant has enough capacity, then $1 million would be enough, explained Mitchell.
The initial cost included the initial start up of the system including the pump station and wastewater treatment plant.
Mitchell said that there have been a lot of comments from citizens about the town going into debt.
“Citizens would oppose to getting into more debt,” said Mitchell.
Currently, the town has over 60 sewer customers.
Smith cited various factors for the expansion of the sewer system to the west side of Pamplin, which included lowering the cost of sewer rates for customers.
Another reason for the expansion is that the town is looking to rehabilitate the Church Street old school house, which involves possibly transforming the building into an assisted living facility.
Citizens have another opportunity to weigh in on the sewer expansion at a second public hearing held on Thursday, March 21 at 5:30 p.m.
In other Pamplin news…
* The Pamplin Town Council approved last Thursday a contract for Daniel Hylton of D. R. Associates, LLC to do contract work on the town’s wastewater treatment plant on Heights School Road and the pump station on East Pamplin Road.
* Pamplin resident Dickie Williams suggested that the speed limit be reduced from 35 to 25 miles per hour and 45 to 35 miles per hour within the Town of Pamplin.
Williams cited safety as the reason he suggested the speed limit change.
* Pamplin resident Dickie Williams informed Council that he would make repairs to two buildings he owns.
The two buildings are damaged and are a risk to public safety.
Williams hopes to have the buildings repaired by July.