SILVER CREEK - Silver Creek is excited by a prospect presented to the village board which could save its residents on water rates in the future.
The village of Silver Creek along with the city of Dunkirk, the town of Dunkirk and the town of Sheridan have decided to begin working together to see if a running a 12-inch waterline along Route 5 from the city to the Silver Creek water tower is feasible.
As part of this the four municipalities have been asked to each appropriate $974 for an engineering study by Nussbaumer & Clarke Inc.
Article Photos
OBSERVER Photo by Nicole Gugino
Silver Creek Mayor Kurt Lindstrom (right) explained at a recent village board meeting the cost savings it could realize if a waterline is installed from the city of Dunkirk to the village. Also pictured are Trustee Nick Piccolo (left), Attorney Daniel Gard (center) and Trustee Thomas Harmon.
"I think it would be money well spent because it's reasonable. The bottom line is if the city of Dunkirk produces the water we use here it could drop our water rate $4 per 1,000 (gallons)," Mayor Kurt Lindstrom said at the board's workshop.
He explained this would bring the village's water rate down to around $3 per 1,000 gallons.
The board was favorable to putting the money forward in order to realize a cost savings in the future.
"We have the highest water rate in the region ... Now it is time to look at tying in with (the city of Dunkirk) because of the cost savings," Trustee Nick Piccolo said.
Water Foreman Herm Griewisch pointed out right now the village's only option for water is Erie County and this new water line would give the village options.
The board approved the resolution to pay $974 for the engineering.
Resident and President of the Silver Creek Senior Ed Newman said he was encouraged to see this plan go forward. He said the senior center is located just outside the village in the town of Sheridan and although it receives water from the village of Silver Creek, the waterline is small and has not been maintained.
Lindstrom said once the engineering is done Nussbaumer & Clarke will bring a presentation to the board for it to determine the feasibility of the project.
The village board will next meet for a special meeting with Wendel energy engineers Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. with its regular meeting and workshop on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.
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