The Shadow
WARM SPRINGS — “Water to Cedar Creek.”
That was Chairman Bruce McWilliams’ statement after the Bath County Board of Supervisors committed funding to a Cedar Creek water line extension, a project that has been discussed since 1992.
Supervisors unanimously voted Tuesday night to commit $680,000 in funding for the project during fiscal year 2015-16. Supervisor Claire Collins’ motion included proceeding with the bid process and completing easement work.
Invoices associated with the project will be submitted to the county for payment after July 1, 2015.
Collins also suggested more open dialogue with the Bath County Service Authority regarding future water and sewer needs in other areas of the county such as Millboro Springs.
The 2.4-mile Cedar Creek extension would connect two existing water systems in the area and provide county water to about 12 new customers. Proponents of the project say it would promote economic development in the area and enhance fire protection.
Residents of three districts — Cedar Creek, Warm Springs and Valley Springs — would benefit from the project.
“I have spoken with many people from all districts since the last board of supervisors meeting and talked in great detail about this project,” said Willie Smith, a Warm Springs District resident and long-time advocate for the project. “They support this project moving forward and feel that the county should do more for water and sewer throughout other parts of the county as well.”
Supervisors fielded comments in support of the project during a public hearing Tuesday night. Emails and phone calls to county administration also favored completion of the water line extension.
Long-time resident Pearl Buzzard said unsafe drinking water in Cedar Creek has led to health concerns for many living in the area.
“We really need that water down there,” she said. “We’re all going to be dead before we get it if you don’t do something.”
“I hope it’s approved,” added Wally Robertson. “I think everyone needs good water.”
Supervisors applauded Smith’s efforts in spearheading discussions regarding the project, and Supervisor Cliff Gilchrest commended Smith for the “decorum” in which he handled discussions.
“We thank all of you,” Smith said following the unanimous vote.
In other business Tuesday night, supervisors approved a drought relief resolution for Bath County farmers.
Prior to the recent rains, the county was about seven inches below normal rainfall for the year. Bath County had only received about 27 inches of rain in 2014. The average for this time of year is about 34 inches.
Only nine inches of precipitation have fallen since June 1, and Virginia Cooperative Extension Unit Coordinator Rodney Leech said Hot Springs received less than an inch of rain in September.
“We’re still dry,” Leech said. “The water table is down. We’ve had some springs dry up around the area.”
Leech said his office has received reports that livestock producers are hauling water and feeding hay to sustain herds. The hay crop has been reduced 30-40 percent with very little second cuttings and limited fall grazing in hay meadows, Leech added.
Leech said that the current rainfall could ease drought conditions somewhat, but a hard winter would take its toll on farmers.
“Hopefully, the moisture is on its way,” Leech said.
In other business Tuesday night, the Bath County Board of Supervisors:
— following a public hearing, adopted a floodplain management ordinance;
— following a public hearing, approved a rezoning request for property located at 9405 Sam Snead Highway in the Mitchelltown area from R-1 (Residential Limited) to B-2 (General Business);
— following a public hearing, approved a budget amendment that will allow county administration to streamline the transfer of funds from the General Fund to the Comprehensive Services Act Fund;
— approved renewal of an Omni Homestead fireworks permit;
— adopted a tentative budget calendar for fiscal year 2016;
— approved the appointment of Carl Behrens to the Rockbridge Regional Library Board of Trustees;
— recommended the reappointment of Ray Rodgers and Paul Dressler to the Bath County Building Code Board of Appeals;
— selected Supervisor Collins as the board’s voting delegate at the upcoming Virginia Association of Counties meeting;
— approved a memorandum of understanding with the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission for parcel data improvements and maintenance.
Supervisors will hold an 8 a.m. work session on Saturday, Oct. 25, in the Bath County Library conference room.
