Community growth leads to more people in one area, which can also lead to sewer problems. Industrial Development Board director Don Alexander discussed the sewer concerns following growth in Morrison during the county’s Economic and Agricultural Development meeting Tuesday.
Commissioner Carl D. Bouldin brought up the sewer issue because he had someone ask him about the potential drawbacks in Morrison because of it.
“Someone asked me if one of the drawbacks of the recruiting industry right now out there in Morrison is some sewer issues,” said Bouldin.
“We don’t have an abundance of sewer, but we have sewer. That means that they can add additions on to it, but it is a concern,” answered Alexander.
Bouldin asked County Executive Jimmy Haley if the ARP money specifically for investing into water, sewer, and storm water infrastructure that is being used for the West Warren-Viola Utility projects would be a part of this.
“It wasn’t part of the industrial development, but it is part of upgrades to West Warren-Viola. So we are looking at additional monies that may come through the infrastructure deal that might do that,” said Haley.
Said Alexander, “We have been working through West Warren-Viola Utility District and we always needed that pump station inside that area, so if it has been pushed out that is news to me.”
“I think that pumping station is part of it,” said Bouldin.
“Yeah, but no extensions or anything else that is not part of the plan,” added Haley.
They can only use this money for existing water upgrades, but additional money for adding onto the sewer could be freed up eventually. Alexander pointed out that during redistricting Morrison had some of the most growth which lead to the need for sewer upgrades.
“As we all know we just went through redistricting. Where was the growth? It was out at Morrison. That is one of those things that we as a community need to focus on that the water and waste water is one of the constraints to growth right there. We are going to have growth out there anyway and it is time to really take a look and focus on that,” said Alexander.
