Gary Herman:
Alexander County Commissioners received an update on the Bethlehem sewer project from Dan Shabeldeen, President of Shabeldeen Engineering, at the board’s December 3rd meeting.
Ronnie Reese, Chairman of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners, said this project is vital to future economic development in Bethlehem.“This sewer project really expands the opportunity for growth in the Bethlehem community as we look to the future,” Reese said. “When you have the infrastructure in place, it opens the door for housing, retail, and industrial projects. Combine this project with the NCDOT’s widening of Hwy. 127, and it becomes an exciting time for our county.”
Shabeldeen said the engineering report was approved in May. The bid package and design was submitted by the November 1st deadline, and is currently under review by the state. The deadline for final approval is March 1. Shabeldeen anticipates that the county would receive authority to award a contract by July 1, with construction to begin in August.
While the county was approved for a $5,181,300 project funded with zero or low-interest loans through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program, Shabeldeen said the plans submitted to the state total approximately $4.5 million. The savings are a result of changes to the original plan, which include adding another segment of Shiloh Church Road and Rink Dam Road, adjusting the route of the lines on Chigger Ridge Road, and stopping south of Gene Moretz Lane at S&K Road. Shabeldeen said the project has been designed for future development. The project includes installation of approximately 2,000 linear feet of 15-inch, 6,000 linear feet of 12-inch, and 11,000 linear feet of 8-inch gravity sewer lines; 12,000 linear feet of 8-inch force main; the upgrade of the Heritage Village and Wittenburg Springs pump stations; and installation of a new pump station on Bowman Court.
The engineer said the project is progressing well, as he is currently working with the county attorney on temporary construction easements and permanent easements for the project.