PALMA – In a ground-breaking ceremony Friday on Raceway Lane in Palma, future site of a new 250,000 gallon water tank, North Marshall Water District Superintendent Bobby Gifford, was recognized for his work in the district, crediting him for much of its success with the honor of naming the tank after him.
“It’s a real honor and I’m tickled to death”, Gifford said. “I appreciate it, I’m humbled by it.”
Among those on hand was USDA Rural Development State Director Tom Fern, USDA Community Project Director Vernon Brown, North Marshall Water District board members, North Marshall Water District staff, Judge Executive Chyrill Miller, County Commissioners and Paul Cloud with Paul Cloud Engineering.
According to Gifford, the tank will serve 5,400 customers and will strengthen this area of the district.
“Three years ago we had a drought and this area ran out of water”, Gifford said. “So that’s why it’s located here strategically within the district.”
The foundation is going in now and plans are for it to be constructed by next spring, according to engineer Paul Cloud.
State Director Tom Fern, was appointed on Nov. 25, 2009, by President Barack Obama to serve as USDA Rural Development State Director for Kentucky.
“It’s always a delight to be in this area of the state and region and with these officials here and I appreciate and commend them for their dedication and commitment to provide the quality infrastructure needs of the communities here”, Fern said.
“Good for new residential and commercial expansion”, Fern said. “Without the basic infrastructure needs of the community, you can’t expect any industrial or economic growth in the area and cannot provide the services for residential expansion and to meet the needs of the existing customers.”
“I commend all the officials here, the county judge, water manger Bobby Gifford and the commissioners for their dedication and foresight for seeing the needs for the area and providing that service.”
“We were able to provide a loan in the amount of $3,850,000, a very low-interest loan for a 40 year term and a grant for 1,150,000. So as a result of the loans and grants available through USDA Rural Development, it enables them to continue to provide services at reasonable rates”, Fern said.
Construction on the 250,000 gallon tank has begun and will cost $650,000, according to North Marshall Water District Board Chairman Jerry Miller.
“This tank will take over the load that the Moors tank has provided to this area with good water and good consistent pressure”, Miller said. “Two tanks currently serve most of Marshall County.”
Miller outlined what will be done with the funds which will include 25 miles of water line replacement that is currently costing about $200,000 a year to maintain, at a cost of $1.9 million
Electrical upgrades will amount to $350,000, four tanks will be cleaned at a cost of $1.2 million and the district is refinancing $450,000 of an old meter debt at a dropped rate of 2%.
According to board member Jamie Leonard, “This new tank will provide long-term sustainability and water quality to the community.”
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