REACH needs additional water line costs estimates, TWSA members say

By Rose Hooper

Jones proposed that Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority give REACH of Jackson County $5,000 to assist with water lines construction costs for the non-profits's new village off Plum Street in the Lovesfield community. His motion died on the table for lack of a second.

Jones's motion came after a presentation by Elizabeth Worley, REACH program development director, who appeared before the TWSA board to follow up on a request for funds REACH submitted in July. Worley explained that the original engineering estimate for water and sewer lines to the 2.3-acres property was $61,000. REACH's USDA budgetary line item for water and sewer was $56,666.

"In May we discovered that amount ($56,666), which REACH had already contributed, would just cover the sewer project. To install the water line will cost another $22,000," she said, breaking that figure down to $15,000 for installation, $4,500 for meters, hydrant and tap-on fees and $2,500 for engineering fees.

REACH already paid the $2,500 engineering fees, she said, while TWSA agreed to waive the $4,500 impact fees. The town of Sylva contributed $5,000 to the project, leaving a remaining $10,000 REACH asked TWSA to cover.

"TWSA has a lot to gain here," Worley pointed out. "TWSA will realize some $3,000 per year in revenue from the housing units and in four years will have recouped its $10,000. Also, the waterline will become TWSA property."

"I want to be a good neighbor with the town," Jones, one of Sylva's three TWSA representatives, said. "If the town gave $5,000, I think TWSA should, too."

Sylva's other two representative, Ann Cabe and Bobby Beck, did not offer support for Jones's motion.

"I've worked with the court system, and I know the impact REACH has made in this community in helping abused women," Jones said.

REACH helps abused women leave, stay safe and begin to build lives free from violence and chaos. Since 1978, REACH has provided emergency shelter for abuse victims.

REACH employs licensed counselors to help clients deal with the trauma of being battered and staff who know the ins and outs of the legal system to help clients gain quick access to legal protection. Additional staff help clients find housing and acheive educational and training needs to become self-supporting.

The new REACH Village will provide transitional housing for up to two years for clients.

"Time is a real factor here," Worley stressed, indicating the village is expected to be open for clients by Oct. 15. "We are already taking applications."

TWSA Executive Director Jerry King said that $22,000 for a 6-inch water line covering just over 8,100 feet averaged out to $27 a foot.

"That's pretty steep," said King, who added that $15 to $18 per foot would be more in line. "On our Scotts Creek project we had to pay $22 per foot, but that's because a lot of it was drilling straight through rock. But to extend to Plum Street is nothing, and the contractor (Doug Parker) is already on the site, so that should cost even less. Have you considered a 2-inch line?" King asked.

"We talked with the neighbors and told them, if possible, we would get a line large enough to service them, too. A 6-inch line would allow expansion down Plum Street or Jim Sellers Street if the need arises," Worley said.

She went on to say that USDA would not allow project funds to pay for the water line if TWSA is to receive ownership.

TWSA Chairman Mickey Luker suggested REACH install its own 2-inch line and maintain ownership of it.

TWSA attorney Raymond Large said board policy calls for the property owner to pay for and to bring their line to TWSA.

"That's our guideline, and I think we should be consistent," Large said. "We are starting to set a pattern of folks coming to us for help. I know REACH is a worthwhile organization, but remember, folks, we flat out turned down Cullowhee Baptist Church's request for assistance."

Luker recommended that Worley "get some further estimates and come back to the board; $27 a foot ­ that's just unreasonable," he said.

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