Albany City Council, meeting in regular session with all members present last Tuesday evening, March 4, took the initial steps to seek funding for the possible extension of water line availability along a portion of the Albany/127 Bypass.

The council took the action following a project update and discussion with Monarch Engineer David Bowles, whose firm has been researching and mapping out an area along the bypass for a possible line extension, as well as possible funding sources for the major project.

The study was to evaluate the possibility of installing a water line along the new Albany Bypass. The new water line would encourage new businesses to develop along the bypass rather than have to wait for the water system to be built should a new business be interested.

Bowles presented a map of the area that would be most feasible to run a 12-inch water transmission main. That would be near the Perry Hay farm (north) extending south to the intersection of the bypass at Highway 738 (Wolf River Dock Road), connecting back to the Peolia Church area to connect into the existing line.

The engineer estimates the total cost to be around $1,929,000 and suggested funding may come in the form of a USDA grant of near $600,000 plus a low-interest loan from USDA of $1.2 million over a period of years to fund the water line expansion.

Bowles noted that with the passage of the new national Farm Bill, money should be available for such projects through USDA.

Bowles told the council that the funding process would take at least six months alone, and said counting getting financing, doing design work and actual construction time, the project–if realized–could take up to three years to complete.

The engineer also noted that the city would be under no obligations to move forward in the months ahead if, for some reason, the project was not feasible or unaffordable, but recommended the process of seeking funding begin now since the process is so lengthy.

Following a brief discussion, Councilman Leland Hicks moved to proceed to approve a resolution to apply for funding for the project. The motion was seconded by Councilman Tony Delk and passed by unanimous vote.

In additional updates given by Bowles, it was noted that construction work is underway to relocate the water and sewer lines at the intersection of Highways 127 and 1590. That work, at a cost of $122,521.50, should be completed in the next couple of weeks and is being paid for by state funds.

Also, the city is continuing to pursue preliminary investigation into extending sewer service to where the Wolf River Dock Road intersects the bypass (an estimated cost of $400,000) and from Highway 1590 to the new feed mill west of Albany (estimated cost of $150,000). Applications for financing on both projects have been submitted to the state for consideration.

Mayor Nicky Smith then updated the council on the new Albany Fire Station project. He said the construction contract on the project was to have been signed with Boils Construction Company of Albany on Thursday, March 6 and the expected completion of the new facility is still expected to be October or early November.

In other business:

* The council opened bids on a surplus 1994 International truck with three bids being submitted. On a motion by Councilman James “Smitty” Smith, council members unanimously approved the high bid from Bobby Jones at $3,101.09.

* Voted to close a portion of Washington and Jefferson Streets to Spring Street on Saturday, May 10 to accommodate the Albany Masonic Lodge sponsored “Meet the Candidates” event. In case of rain, the program would be presented the following Saturday, May 17.

* Councilman Delk discussed an issue of red clay mud running along areas near Virginia Avenue, as far as into the high school (teachers) parking lot. Mayor Smith said he would contact the property owners about the situation and try and get the problem resolved.

* Prior to adjourning, the mayor and council congratulated the Clinton County varsity basketball teams, as well as both freshmen squads for “sweeping” the 16th District tournaments held last month in Albany.

The next regular meeting of Albany City Council is scheduled for Tuesday, April 1 at 5 p.m. at city hall and is open to the public.