Walker County Special Utility District seeks county sponsorship for $787,500 CDBG water main project

James Morrison, representing the Walker County Special Utility District, presented a proposal asking the court to sponsor a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application to extend an 8‑inch water main from Dead Lake Road along Highway 30.

Morrison said the project would allow the district to loop existing linear mains, provide emergency back‑feed from a large well producing about 1,200 gallons per minute, and support a proposed new fire station and first‑time water service in the area. He told the court the project “Comes out to, 3,825 of your constituents that this would, this would help.” Morrison estimated total project costs at about $787,500, which includes grant administration, engineering and legal costs; the grant program carries a 2% local match.

Commissioners asked technical questions about distance, right‑of‑way, and the district’s Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN); Morrison confirmed the district’s CCN covers the requested extension and that growth would be required to pay its share. A commissioner noted that previous CDBG funding has been used for similar water‑line projects and that the county had sponsored applications in prior cycles. The court approved moving forward with the request to issue a request for proposals for administrative and engineering services and authorized staff to work with the utility district on the application.

The court’s decision allows staff to begin drafting the grant application and procurement documents; final project funding will depend on grant award and the county’s match obligations should the grant be successful.