Officials OK contract for waterline

The system could aid growth and help in emergencies.
By D.A. WILKINSON
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Columbiana County officials have long dreamed of the benefits of a unified water system.
County Engineer Bert Dawson said, "Realistically, it looks like it's going to happen."
The commissioners approved Dawson's request Wednesday to award a $1.2 million contract to Central Allied Enterprises of Canton.
Dawson said the company will run a waterline south of Lisbon along state Route 45 to state Route 518. The line will service homes and businesses, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Columbiana County Career Center. Since the bids were low, Dawson also plans to extend the line to 33 homes in West Point.
Central Allied, said Dawson, "will work all winter."
Dawson told the commissioners that he has $1.8 million for the project, so he will look for additional projects. The funds come from a variety of sources including Issue 2, federal Community Development Block Grants, the Appalachian Regional Commission and tap-in fees.
The county was often hampered in extending water and sewer lines because of lack of federal and state grants, which meant tap-in fees were sky-high. Extending the line south on state Route 45 has been discussed for years.
But Dawson said the lines from large systems are growing like trees.
Communities' systems
Salem collects ground water. East Liverpool draws its water from the Ohio River. The Buckeye Water District south of Lisbon draws its water from wells. It is building a new plant along state Route 45.
The East Liverpool and Buckeye systems are already linked, although they are in a lawsuit with each other over a usage agreement.
Salem has a waterline that services the federal prison near Elkton. That line is only a few miles from the new Route 45 project.
Salem has declined to link its system with others. Dawson said he will approach city officials next year to see if they want to reconsider their position.
Linking the systems would not affect the average customer, Dawson said.
But if the systems were connected, Salem could provide water to East Liverpool if the Ohio River became contaminated by a chemical spill. Dawson noted there was a major spill on the river several years ago.
If Salem's water became contaminated, it could draw water from the East Liverpool or Buckeye systems.
The linked systems could also help with economic development projects in general and attract companies that need a major water supply, Dawson said.
Having a unified and stable water system would be a great asset in planning for the future, the engineer added.
wilkinson@vindy.com