MERCER COUNTY, W.Va. – Residents on Browning Lambert Mountain say they’ve been trying to get water access for years. Now that wish may soon come to fruition.
On Tuesday, members of the Bluewell Public Service District announced bids are now being accepted to take on a water project for the area.
“The federal government is paying for it mostly through funding agents, not us. The only thing we’re going to do is once they get it in. They’ll put in all the lines, piping and everything in. We will install the meters for all the customers. Then we will maintain the system for them,” said Donnie Goins, chairman, Bluewell Public Service District.
Goins says the project has been years in the works but has been slowed dramatically by rising costs and funding issues. He says he believes more than $4 million in grants and loans has been allocated for the project.
Goins says if all goes according to plan, work on the project could begin as soon as June.
“Once we get a contract with the bidders, whoever is going to put it in. It will move pretty fast, it will. It will move pretty fast. They’ll get it in. They’re prepared to do this stuff. That’s all they do is install water lines, sewer lines and that kind of stuff,” said Goins.
Goins says they’re hoping received bids come in under budget, otherwise the project may be delayed more than what is has been. Residents of the Browning Lambert Mountain area say they’re frustrated and tired of going elsewhere for water.
“I think they’ve delayed their self a little bit much. I think that they should have actually had more progress done before now. But they say they’re on track to do it so we’ll find out,” said Mark Anderson.
Received bids from firms will be revealed next Wednesday. The water project would give water access to around 100 people in the area.
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