On October 29, 2009, the Pearl River County Utility Authority (PRCUA) opened bids for the low pressure sewer system for our community. On November 5, 2009, the contract was awarded at a cost of $2,641,650.50. The PRCUA originally budgeted $4,400,000.00 for the infrastructure. Since the bids have come under their original budget, this means the project is a “go” and there will be money available to assist our property owners who wish to connect their home. Work is scheduled to begin in January. All existing paved driveways and our roadways will be “bored”. This project will be ongoing during the next year. No sewer will start until the PRCUA treatment plant is finalized, which is scheduled for completion in September 2010. Please take note that with the great news of extra money to assist our property owners with connection, on November 19, 2009, the PRCUA decided to offer all existing homeowners free connection; this includes all “on lot” components and installation, connection of home to the system, and connecting the electricity from home to grinder pump panel. There is a max of $750.00 the PRCUA will pay their contractor for the electrical connection. This would cover most property owners for the free connection fee, depending on your existing electrical panel. There is a connection fee of $250.00, payable to the PRCUA, which is reduced from their standard sign-up cost. A separate mailing will go out this month with all connection forms and details for anyone wishing to connect. The sign-up period will begin this month and continue through February 26, 2010. After this sign-up deadline of February 26, 2010, sign-up for free connection will be closed. I encourage everyone to review the advantages for yourself and for the community by connecting to a centralized sewer system. This is a great opportunity for you to connect and save the expense of approximately $6,000.00-$10,000.00 which is what it would cost to connect your home once the sign-up period is over. Remember that after this project is completed and your home is connected, the PRCUA is responsible for all maintenance and repairs to your system. This service will be included in the monthly sewer charge. Connection details will be mailed by December 14, 2009. After this date extra copies will be available at HAWL office. For your convenience, the HAWL office will collect all connection forms with deposits, payable to the PRCUA, and will forward them to the PRCUA office.