Garnsey-Shilling Area Water District

Project Coordinator:  Town of Palmyra

Project Timeline:  Late Fall 2003 - Summer 2004

Project Budget:  $739,500

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Public water has become one of the most-desired services a municipality can supply. Those who live in areas of the Town not serviced by public water lines must rely on private wells to provide an adequate and healthful supply of water for drinking, cooking and other household uses. When a majority of property owners in an area agree that a public water supply would be adventageous to them, a petition is made to the municipality to investigate the possibility.

Based on requests from residents, the Town Board of Palmyra commissioned a feasibility study early in 2002 for the provision of public water along Shilling, Lusk, Goldsmith and Garnsey Roads. It was determined the cost of the project exceeded the legal limit for a property owner-financed project. Therefore, the Town Board ordered a preliminary funding aplication be submitted to USDA Rural Development - Rural Utilities Service (RUS).

The Town received a Pre-Eligibility Determination Notification in November, 2002, indicating that RUS intends to fund the project in the following manner:

• $360,000  Grant
• $379,500  Loan at 4.5% for 38 years
• $739,500  Total

Scope of Project:  Approximately 25,000 linear feet of 8-inch watermain, hydrants and appurtenances to be installed on portions of Garnsey, Shilling, Goldsmith and Lusk Roads. See map. The project will encompass 56 existing homes.

Estimated Annual Cost Impact to "Typical" Single Family Home:

• Debt Service   $340 ($3.76/TAV)
• Cost for Water  $245 to $257
• $585 to $597  Total

One-time connection charges include the $1250 connection fee. This includes the tap of the main waterline at the right-of-way, and a radio-read water meter and fittings. Additionally, the property owner will be responsible for the installation of the individual water service from the right-of-way into the house. Estimated costs of this service (by private contractor) is $5 to $8 per linear foot.

The next step in the process is for the Town Board to hold a Public Hearing, scheduled for Thursday, December 26, 2002 at 7:30 PM at the Town Hall. If the Town Board approves proceeding with the establishment of the district and the waterline at that meeting, there will be a 30-day permissive referendum period. During the permissive referendum period, property owners in the proposed district that may be opposed to the project can request a formal vote be held by presenting a petition to the Town. Should there be no petition filed within 30 days, the appropriate papers can be filed and the project will go forward as planned.

This is an Equal Opportunity Program. Discrimination is prohibited by Federal Law. Complaints of discrimination may be filed with the Secretary of Agriculture, USDA, Washington, DC 20250-0700