A private landowner will assume maintenance of a pump station along Monterey’s Calfkiller waterline project, allowing the project to proceed.
Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said the project requires two pump stations to maintain water pressure as the line climbs the mountain. Monterey agreed to maintain one but was hesitant to take responsibility for both following revenue losses associated with the Perdue plant closure.
“We worked with one of the landowners on that section of the waterline,” Porter said, “And he’s agreed to take control of the pump station and its future maintenance, so everything’s good and we’re moving forward and hopefully that projects going to be finishing up sometime in the next couple, three months.”
Porter said the county will pay for the installation using federal American Rescue Plan funds. Porter said the landowner will cover future upkeep of the station, which is expected to initially serve seven to eight water meters. The completed waterline will become Monterey’s property.
“They were worried about taking on too much right now with adding extra expenses to the water system,” Porter said.
The project aims to extend water service to residents who currently lack access or rely on sulfur wells. Porter said the route required adjustments after several property owners declined to grant easements.
“What we’re trying to do is get water to a lot of people that don’t have access to it or are on sulfur wells,” Porter said.
Contractors are awaiting delivery of the pump stations and could begin installing individual water taps within the next week. Porter said some sections could begin receiving water this month or early next month, with the remaining sections expected to come online early next year.