Discover how the city of Williamson secured a $4.2 million grant for its water infrastructure project. Despite this milestone, the project still requires $7 million to reach its $12.6 million total cost. Learn about the main funding source, the status of city audits, and changes to parking meters and violations. Stay informed about Williamson’s efforts to enhance its infrastructure and secure funding for vital projects.
Williamson Secures $4.2 Million Grant for Water Project, Awaits Further Funding
The city of Williamson has successfully secured a $4.2 million grant from the United States Appalachian Resource Center for its crucial water infrastructure project. This grant marks a significant step toward the city’s efforts to revamp its water system. However, despite this positive development, the project still faces a shortfall of $7 million out of its total projected cost of $12.6 million.
Brandon Conley, the Project Manager of E.L. Robinson, presented Amendment #1, which was approved by the council during its recent meeting on August 24 and subsequently signed by Mayor Charlie Hatfield. Although there are preliminary ideas about where to initiate the infrastructure project, there are no immediate plans to commence the construction phase.
The primary anticipated source of funding for the project is the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the city is actively pursuing a $5 million loan from the USDA. However, progress on this front is currently on hold until additional funding sources are secured. City officials have reassured the public that the current water quality remains safe for consumption. The overarching objective of the project is to replace aging water infrastructure throughout the city.
Mayor Hatfield further discussed the completion of city audits during the meeting. He highlighted the importance of catching up on these audits, as they play a pivotal role in securing funding for various city projects.
Hatfield emphasized, “The audits not only have been behind, but they are now being done. We just want to announce to the public in 30 to 45 days we will be as current as yesterday.”
The delay in audits, as Hatfield has previously indicated, has hindered the city’s access to certain funding opportunities. The city had been working to address this issue by streamlining the audit process.
In an unrelated matter, the city council voted to approve an adjustment to the time rate for parking meters and associated offenses within the city. The upcoming new meters will be set at $0.50 for every 30 minutes of parking time, offering added convenience. These modernized meters will also accommodate credit and debit card payments and can be refilled through a smartphone app.
Moreover, the city plans to increase fines for parking violations, although specific amounts have yet to be disclosed.
The purchase of these new parking meters was endorsed by the city in September 2022. The funds were derived from savings generated by the existing meters, along with $13,000 from coal severance. The initial approval covered the procurement of both new meters and associated signage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What recent funding achievement has the city of Williamson accomplished?
The city of Williamson secured a $4.2 million grant from the United States Appalachian Resource Center for its water infrastructure project.
What is the total projected cost of the water infrastructure project?
The water infrastructure project is estimated to cost $12.6 million in total. However, the project still requires an additional $7 million to be fully funded.
What is the main source of funding for the project?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the primary anticipated funding source for the water infrastructure project.
What did Mayor Hatfield announce regarding city audits?
Mayor Hatfield mentioned that the city audits, which had been lagging, are now being completed and brought up to date, which is crucial for securing funding for various city projects.
What changes were approved for parking meters and violations in the city?
The city council approved an adjustment to the time rate for parking meters, setting it at $0.50 for every 30 minutes. The new meters will also accept credit and debit card payments and can be refilled through a smartphone app. Additionally, fines for parking violations will be increased, with specific amounts yet to be disclosed.
