McDowell County water projects advance; historic‑preservation review may slow bidding
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Summary
County staff updated commissioners on East End/NEBO water projects, relocation of a master meter on Highway 70, and a recommended grant for Marlow Road and Zion Hill Road; the State Historic Preservation Office flagged part of a federal project for survey work that could add roughly two months to environmental review.
Mister Woodley briefed the Board of Commissioners on multiple water‑system projects during the Feb. 9 meeting, including ongoing construction in the East End (Sabre Bayon/Marion Lake Club area) and a recently relocated master meter on Highway 70 that adjusts where the city system ends and the county system begins.
Woodley said some stretches of the East End project are complex because of narrow roads and limited right-of-way and that crew work slows during snow and ice. He reported that a master meter relocation occurred and that staff are negotiating amendments to the county’s water‑purchase agreement with the city.
Woodley also said the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) raised concerns for the Southwest‑of‑Marion project because federal funds are involved. He said a consultant will perform archaeological test sites identified by SHPO and that the additional review could add approximately two months to the environmental‑review schedule before bids can be issued.
On funding, Woodley reported that a project for Marlow Road and Zion Hill Road is recommended for funding in the state application process and that, if awarded, documentation exchange could take roughly two months before bidding the full package.
Woodley added that staff are conducting an asset inventory and a rate study as part of long‑term water planning and that regional partnership discussions with Marion and Old Fort continue under a DEQ partnership grant.
