Sylva leaders choose engineer for Moody Bottom sewer project

By Lynn Hotaling

Cavanaugh & Associates, an engineering firm with offices across the state, was the board's unanimous choice. Cavanaugh opened an office in Asheville last year.

Sylva officials chose Cavanaugh based on a recommendation from the town's solid waste committee, which heard a presentation from the engineering firm Nov. 6.

"We definitely want this job," Steve Cavanaugh told the committee. "We want to build a relationship with Sylva. We'll bring a fresh perspective, energy, talent and a commitment to communication."

Cavanaugh promised that his firm would keep residents of Allens Branch, Mitchell Road and Mills Branch informed during construction and would also keep town officials updated on progress.

"You'll know what's going on," Cavanaugh said. "You'll have 100 percent access to information so you can answer questions from your constituents." Board members voted Oct. 3 to move forward with the Moody Bottom sewer project. Preliminary estimates place the project's total cost at about $525,000.

Sylva annexed the area in 1996 with the understanding that sewer would be provided.

Funding for the project could be accomplished through a combination of a $266,500 low-interest loan with payments made through revenue from existing revolving loans; using $209,000 in UDAG funds; and taking the remaining $50,000 from the town's fund balance, Sylva Manager Richard McHargue said in October.

During other discussion related to the proposed sewer project, town officials asked McHargue to re-examine Sylva's water and sewer policy to determine if there is a way to help Allens Branch residents Art and Sarah Altman. Sarah Altman addressed board members during their Oct. 3 meeting about ongoing problems with the failing septic system at her family's home.

The solid waste committee's prior recommendation was to move forward with the entire project and stipulate that the Allens Branch line be constructed first.

Board members last week asked McHargue to study the policy to see if there's a way to assist the Altmans prior to construction of the new line.

Back to Archive: 11/14/02.