The project cost is estimated at $3.19 million, with $2.5 million coming in the form of grants and $645,000 in loans. In addition to the CDBG, USDA Rural Development offered a mix of 60 percent loan money and 40 percent grants.
The location of the neighborhoods that are the focus of the project make it a truly inter-governmental undertaking. Of the 170 total customers, there are 86 customers in Boyle County and 84 in Lincoln. The sewer line will be connected to the city of Danville's system.
Among the stipulations for the CDBG are that the project must be advertised for bids within six months and completed by Dec. 30, 2011. McKinney doesn't see any problems with meeting those goals.
"Much of the engineering is done for this," McKinney said. "Once we get all the 'I's' dotted and 'T's' crossed, we will be able to get moving with the bid process."
Costs of sewer service
Sewer service will not come without some cost to the customers.
Boyle County has a sanitation ordinance making it mandatory for those who have access to sewer lines to connect to the system. That will cost $500 in most cases. The regular sewer fee, which is based on water usage, will be about the same as for Junction City residents, or about $38 for a customer using 4,000 gallons of water.
"We know there is some financial burden, but that is why we have been working so hard to find ways to limit that and for people to get some help," McKinney said.
The county and city plan to have the project engineered with the least amount of difficulty for customers to connect, he said. There also may be some help available to defray the cost, most likely in the form of individual assistance from Rural Development.
McKinney said residents probably would apply directly as individuals for Rural Development funds. There may be community meetings to help people with the necessary paperwork.
As with most sanitation issues, McKinney believes the impact of the project will be greater than just the immediate service area.
"The implications are far reaching," McKinney said. "From a public health standpoint, sanitary sewers are important. If sewage is not properly contained and treated, it also ends up in creeks and ultimately the watershed. Everybody should feel pretty good about this."
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SO YOU KNOW
Of the 170 customers to be served, 86 are in Boyle County and 84 in Lincoln County. The sewer line will be connected to the city of Danville's system.
