As we approach the second anniversary date of Hurricane Katrina, I encourage everyone to look back at how far we have come not just as individuals or as a community, but as a city, state and region as well.  While there are many who have a ways to go before their lives resemble that before Katrina and some whose lives never will, we are blessed here in Hide-A-Way to have regained much of our normalcy.  We are moving forward.

As stated last month, Dungan Engineering has completed the preliminary engineering report for the proposed low pressure sewer system in HAWL for the Pearl River County Utility Authority (PRCUA).  The PRCUA has stated the process would be:

¨ Introduction meetings: Wednesday, August 8, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 25, 2007 at 9:30 a.m.

¨ HAWL property owners would sign a petition from the Authority to proceed in getting bids for the project.

      The petition must be signed by 2/3 of the owners from HAWL for the PRCUA to proceed.

¨ After final costs are in, there would be another final vote for all property owners.  This would have to pass by 50% (“yes” votes) for the project to get started.  Ballots not returned will be counted as a “yes” vote.

¨ The entire project after property owners’ final approval would be approximately18 months.

¨ The initiation of the preliminary engineering report which shows a cost estimate from Dungan Engineering is the only step in this process our Board of Directors or I have.  The rest will be up to the property owners and what the majority of our residents wish to see happen here.

 

Initial Costs (Choice One)	$ Amounts
Lots With Houses (Lines and Pump)	$ 9,000.00
Lots Only (Lines only)	$ 4,000.00
Yearly Assessment on Taxes for 20 years with Interest (Choice Two)
Lots With Houses	$   750.00
Lots Only	$   350.00
Estimated Monthly Sewer Bill
Monthly Sewer Bill–Operation and Maintenance	$     20.00

All steps listed above are guidelines the PRCUA follow.  Something very important to keep in mind is that 4-5 years ago the cost was $5,000.00 per home.  There is a high probably that sewer will eventually be mandated in HAWL.   When this does occur, depending on how long before it happens, what will the cost be then?  I have been working with members from Lake Quality Committee and as well as many others in our community to develop a list of questions on the process to have the PRCUA answer at this meeting.  Bottom line:  Come to one of the meetings this month, so you can make an informed decision in your vote as a property owner. 

The contract for repaving two miles of roads and the lodge parking lot has been signed with Huey Stockstill, Inc. at a cost of $214,200.  The work is scheduled to be completed this month.  Striping of the parking lot and main repaved roads will be done by Robbie Robinson, Inc. for $12, 185.20 approximately 30 days after completion of the repaving project.  New culverts were installed in the following four areas: 12” (diameter) on the lower lodge road, 18” at 303 West Lakeshore Drive, 18” at 527 West Lakeshore Drive, and 15” at 1506 East Lakeshore Drive.  These culverts were needed before the repaving work could occur.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please give me a call at the office.

Bruce Devillier, General manager