Officials discuss water-line replacement

CELINA - Mercer County officials are exploring replacing a water line in the Harbor Point subdivision at the request of property owners.

County commissioners recently signed off on a $47,500 contract with Access Engineering for engineering services related to a potential Harbor Point water-line replacement project. It will be paid through the East Jefferson Water Fund.

County community development director Jared Ebbing said county officials will consider the project once it receives engineering, design plans and a cost estimate.

Last year, a petition signed by 71 subdivision property owners representing 48 of the 51 residences requested that commissioners install new water lines and hydrants in the Harbor Point addition to ensure basic fire protection and safety.

"The residents of Harbor Point residing south of the bridge on Harbor Point Drive are serviced by the original two-inch pipe line which is approximately 55 years old, is severely corroded, rusted, frequently breaks and is too small to handle the personal needs and fire protection of the homes," the petition reads.

Ebbing said the Harbor Point subdivision water line had originally been private but was later deeded over to the county. He said the line is undersized and old, resulting in pressure and water-quality issues.

As long as the project isn't deemed cost-prohibitive, it could potentially occur next year, he said.

Commissioners also recently approved a $39,500 contract with Access Engineering for engineering services in connection with the Fremont turn lane project.

County officials have secured two state grants totaling $330,000 to commit toward a $505,000 estimated turn lane project on U.S. 33 to ensure safety for increased truck traffic related to the Fremont Co.'s proposed $27 million expansion of its Rockford plant at 150 Hickory St.

The county plans to have constructed on U.S. 33 a 250-foot-long eastbound right turn lane and 220-foot-long westbound left turn lane at the newly proposed intersection of the Hickory Street extension, ODOT grant agreement papers show.

A local match of $175,000, which Ebbing said will come from a mix of funds from the county and the village of Rockford as well as work completed by Fremont Co., is required as part of the $505,000 project

Much work and planning, though, are necessary before the county-led roadwork can get underway, likely not until spring or summer 2019, Ebbing said, adding bids will be sought over the winter.