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AWA Could See Gravity Supply Line Environmental Comments by Feb. 25 |
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Friday, 05 February 2010 |
 Amador County – The Amador Water Agency discussed upgrading the Central Amador Water Project on Monday, and in about 3 weeks will look at public comments on a proposed Gravity Supply Line project’s environmental impacts. District 4 Director Debbie Dunn said she had “not made a decision yet” on what to do in the Central Amador Water Project. She said only 2 board members represent Upcountry residents, including herself and District 3 Director Don Cooper, but all 5 directors must vote on the issue. Any action on the Gravity Supply Line must wait until environmental work is completed. Acting Engineering Manager Erik Christeson said the agency received 7 comments regarding the California Environmental Quality Act in relation to the AWA’s negative declaration of environmental impact on the Gravity Line’s. They received no comments on national EPA law. The comments will not be ready for the AWA board until possibly February 25th, said Interim General Manager Gene Mancebo. Discussion Monday included rebuilding the CAWP pipeline, which would cost $4 million, Christeson said, not including the need to build 75 percent of it under roads. He said that must be done because the project would have to be built parallel to the existing line, to keep it operational and serving customers during construction. Upgrading the pumps would cost $4.6 million, for a $9.6 million total cost. The Gravity Supply Line was estimated to cost $13.4 million, and AWA has applied for a $5 million grant and an $8.3 million loan through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Finance Manager Mike Lee said the grant will be available once the environmental work is finalized, probably later this month. He said funding will come available as soon as AWA accepts it. Lee said the agency must meet conditions, such as showing adequate money to repay the loan and acquire easements. He said they usually get 6 months to meet terms. Dunn asked if it would take a year-and-a-half to get the grant funding, and Mancebo said it would “probably take 6 months or less, if we had a green light.” Story by Jim Reece
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 11 February 2010 )
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