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Harpers Ferry council approves payments for WDA‑funded water distribution work as crews begin field ties
Summary
Council reviewed progress on a multi‑phase water distribution project funded in part by the West Virginia Water Development Authority, authorized payment of submitted invoices through a resolution, and heard that unmarked utility lines caused unexpected outages as contractors begin connecting the new mains.
Harpers Ferry Town Council on March 10 approved a resolution authorizing payment of invoices tied to the town’s water distribution project, and heard extended updates from waterworks staff about early‑stage construction and service impacts.
Steve, the town waterworks representative, told the council the contractor began work the previous week on West Ridge, “they appear to be setting in the replacement main, then they cover all over,” and that crews will later “put the saddles on to actually then connect out to the laterals to the meters.” He said some laterals remain unconnected and that crews had to shut water off on parts of West Ridge after construction crews struck unmarked lines.
Council considered draft Resolution No. 5, described by staff as authorizing payment of invoices and related services for the WDA‑funded water distribution phase. A motion to approve the resolution was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote (motion carried 5–0).
Councilmembers and staff discussed steps to reduce service disruptions going forward: more frequent progress meetings with the contractor and engineer (scheduled to begin March 20), tightening communication about marking and field coordination, and using contingency funds where needed to address unanticipated breaks. A council member noted that breaking the project into funded sections left some connected sections incomplete and that the town is working to sequence paving and restoration work with the contractor to limit rework.
In related remarks, Councilmember Mike reviewed two proposed USGS studies the county is considering — an $800,000 water‑supply study and a $300,000 water‑use study — and urged council support for the studies and for placing a Harpers Ferry representative on the county’s water advisory committee. He warned the town still lacks clear estimates of renewable supply and consumptive use for parts of the karst aquifer that serve the area.
The council asked staff to continue frequent coordination with the contractor, to post schedule updates as they become available, and to report back on any further service impacts or cost implications.
