Jerusalem Twp. water line plan to be explained by area officials

6/26/2002

A meeting on a proposal to construct a 3.75-mile water line along Jerusalem or Seaman roads in Jerusalem Township is set for 7 p.m. tomorrow at the township hall, 9501 Jerusalem Rd.

Joe Gray, township trustee, said area officials have been invited to answer questions about why the water line is sought and what it would take to pay for the project.

Federal funding is being sought to help finance it, and a petition is being circulated asking affected residents to support it, he said. The project has been estimated to cost between $600,000 and $1.4 million.

One aim would be to provide water to Jerusalem Elementary School. The school has banned drinking water from a well that services the school since October, 2000, after bacteria was found in it at unsafe levels.

Township officials will explain how the water line would benefit the township and its fire station. Oregon school officials will discuss water conditions at Jerusalem Elementary. Jim Shaw, the county's sanitary engineer, will answer questions about the proposed water line.

An official of the Lucas County auditor's office will explain how assessment procedures and agriculture deferrals would apply to the project if residents decide to support construction.