Silver Springs sewer construction in full swing

SILVER SPRINGS - Construction of the new sewer collection project here has begun with boring under Highway 95A.

"The first bore jack is almost complete and they are sliding one," said John Phinne, on-site representative for Agra Infrastructure. "They want to start a second this week."

Bore jacks involve drilling under the roadway rather than cutting through the asphalt or concrete.

Silver Springs General Improvement District is constructing an $11 million project to help with water quality problems in the area. The project is estimated to be complete in 12 to 18 months.

"We broke ground on Idaho Street and expect a second crew to start on Elm, Deodar or Eureka Streets within a few days," Phinne said.

Agra Infrastructure reported that there have been few problems with the work to date.

"It isn't perfect bedding material, but we have brought in bedding material," Phinne said. "Crews are putting out staking in front of homes at this time."

The district oversight committee recently reviewed the project's progress and reviewed fees, loans and funding.

A Community Development Block Grant application to Lyon County for $357,850 is expected to be filed and used for a sewer subsidy program. These funds would be used to assist residents with septic tank abandonment and sewer hookup and is being reviewed by the Lyon County commissioners.

The Oversight Committee also discussed whether to waive a $100 fee which is being required for a permit and inspections of individual connections by homeowners. The issue will be discussed during a March 15 meeting.

The improvement district oversight committee also voted to recommend to the Lyon County commissioners - who serve as the general improvement district board - to approve extension of the sewer line to the Silver Springs Schools.

The proposed extension would run across property currently owned by George Peek. Peek is negotiating with the school district to sell 40 acres of his property to the district for a high school. Although a tentative agreement has been reached, the purchase is not final.

Oversight committee member John Chiappone brought up an ongoing request from seniors in the community for explanation concerning the prepayment for a system prior to installation.

Committee members reiterated that the planning and design stages cost a considerable funds and that government loans have to be repaid.

Committee members said they hoped that now that the project is in the construction phase, those residents would be able to see that they are beginning to get something for their money.