Judge OKs new water district

Development would be focused first on Southington Township’s more densely populated areas.

STAFF REPORT

WARREN — A judge has officially approved creation of the Southington water and sewer district.

Judge Andrew Logan of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court gave the final approval Thursday after reviewing the operational plan submitted by the township’s consulting firm. The court had given preliminary approval in November.

Atty. Mark S. Finamore said the new district may be the first new water and sewer district created in the area since the Mahoning Valley Sanitary District was formed nearly 100 years ago.

The MVSD provides water from Meander Reservoir to Youngstown, Niles and other communities.

Getting final approval for the district will allow its three-member board of trustees to apply for federal stimulus money and other revenue sources to build water and sewer lines, Finamore said.

The district encompasses the entire township, but the first phase of development would likely occur in the most densely populated parts near the intersection of state Routes 534 and 305, he said.

Thursday’s hearing featured testimony from the township’s consultant, Lennon, Smith Souleret Engineering Inc. of Corapolis, Pa., on problems township residents have with their septic systems and well water, Finamore said.

The judgment entry filed by Judge Logan said he finds the district is necessary and conducive to the public health, safety, convenience and welfare of Southington residents.

Finamore said he doesn’t know how quickly water or sewer lines might be built.