Central Water Works Receives Over $1.5 Million For System Improvements

April 23, 2015

During an Earth Day celebration in Byrneville, USDA Rural Development presented Central Water Works with a $1.588 million check to replace existing water lines in both Florida and Alabama.

The check represented $682,300 in grant money at a $906,000 USDA 40-year loan at 2.75 percent interest.

The money will be used the replace existing lines in the utility’s service area. The first part of the project will replace all of Central Water Works’ infrastructure serving about 175 homes just outside Flomaton. Those 2 or 3-inch lines will be upgraded to at least 6-inch lines, plus fire hydrants will be installed so that every residence is within 1,000 feet of a hydrant.

In Florida, funds will be used to replace an old asbestos and cement line on Byrneville Road.

After engineering plans are completed and contracts are let, it will probably be the first of 2016 before Central customers notice any visible work beginning.

“This is something that has been needed for a long time,” Gary Welch, Central Water Works board president. “It will mean improved quality of service for customers, and, for the Alabama customers, it may mean greatly reduced fire insurance rates.”

Comments

7 Responses to “Central Water Works Receives Over $1.5 Million For System Improvements”

  1. Bonnie Exner on April 24th, 2015 10:40 pm

    This is what happens when you have progressive and future-thinking Leadership.. Way to go Central Water Works!

  2. Betty on April 24th, 2015 2:49 pm

    ——and behind the scenes—Lisa Fuller put together a great reception for the board and visitors. Thanks to all the employees for going above and beyond the call of duty to make our water system one of the best.

  3. Mike on April 24th, 2015 12:02 pm

    Very cool! I wonder if the citizens of Byrneville pay $20 a month for water like we do. A renewal of a water system will mean cleaner water as well, surely. Getting rid of asbestos is always a good thing, too. Compliments to the people that worked to make this grant possible! :)

  4. Larry Walker on April 23rd, 2015 3:45 pm

    Congratulations to Central Water Works and the Byrneville community. Such large federal grants are not received by unqualified applicants. The overall quality of Central’s public service, as well as tedious work done in applying for the grant, are attested to by this grant. Well done, Central Water Works!

  5. Lisa Fuller on April 23rd, 2015 9:59 am

    Central Water Works would also like to thank our engineering firm–Goodwyn, Mills, and Cawood–for sponsoring yesterday’s events. Earlier in the day, as part of this Earth Day project recognition, we were able to speak to each class at Byrneville Elementary School and distribute water conservation booklets to each student. Thank you again to everyone who attended. We look forward to the successful completion of this project.

  6. Lisa Fuller on April 23rd, 2015 9:46 am

    To DOER: Sadly, no. This project will directly benefit customers on the Central Water Works system only. Each water system provides services and improvements within its own franchise area.

  7. The DOER on April 23rd, 2015 8:27 am

    Can you tell me if this will somehow benefit those of us in Bratt on EREC’s lines? We have been wanting bigger lines for years, so that we can have access to fire hydrants close by as well.