Commissioners hear early plan for South Lincoln Rural Water expansion along Highway 18

Commissioner Schmidt and county staff introduced an early conceptual plan on Sept. 11 to expand the South Lincoln Rural Water system along Highway 18, potentially linking Lennox, Worthing, Beresford and Canton and adding wastewater service that proponents say could spur economic and residential development.

"From a 5,000-foot level ... an expansion of South Lincoln real water system" would include the municipalities and provide hookups along Highway 18, Commissioner Schmidt said, describing a project that could allow landowners to connect without septic systems. Paul Anderson, Lincoln County commission assistant, said proponents will make a detailed presentation in a future meeting.

If realized, the proposal would lay water and wastewater infrastructure from Lennox toward Canton and open areas along that corridor to commercial, industrial and residential development, presenters said. Commissioners emphasized the concept is long-range and not imminent; Schmidt said it is a "far reaching idea" that is "worth talking about." No formal action or funding decision was taken at this meeting.

Supporters and county staff described the project as a potential way to replace lagoons used by some municipalities and to provide sanitary service in rural areas between towns. The county will host a public presentation by project proponents at a later date to provide engineering, financing and timeline details.