Wysox water system will benefit area

Published: September 1, 2010

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In case there is any doubt, the best thing the Wysox Municipal Authority can do to serve potential customers in the township - and the area in general - is to move as quickly as possible to complete financing arrangements and begin construction of the nearly $10 million project.

The project - crossing the Susquehanna River from Towanda and along the south side of Route 6 to the Jackson Trailer Park - seems to be a sure thing now. But, the longer the delay, the more the project will cost and the more customers - residents and businesses - likely will have to pay. So, the sooner it's begun, the sooner the inevitable construction delays - a sure headache for businesses, residents and motorists - will come and go.

The cost of the project has been revised recently - again - and it has increased by $1.48 million because of inflation and increased costs of materials. It is currently estimated to cost $9.27 million. In 2001, when the state Department of Environmental Protection recommended that Wysox Township make municipal water available, the cost was estimated to be $3.5 million.

Importing municipal water to Wysox, formerly known as East Towanda, where the only source of water is wells, will result in improved quality of the water. "The water quality in Wysox is not that good," Robert Williams, chairman of the municipal authority, once said. The state DEP, which recommended a municipal system, agreed. The water in some areas contains sulfur or is salty, Williams said, but is not a health hazard.

What's more, a municipal water system is expected to provide a big boost for commercial development. That's because a water system will make possible using sprinkler systems that are required by law in, for example, big box stores and hotels. Anticipating the water system, two motel projects already are underway - expansion of the Riverstone Inn, and a Fairfield Motel, both along the Route 6 Golden Mile. Furthermore, the intersection at Route 6 and Route 187 has been looked at as a location for big box stores, Wysox officials have said at one time or another.

The Wysox Municipal Authority is pursuing additional financing and is confident of obtaining what is needed.

The cost of municipal water to a typical resident is expected now to be in the $40-$50 per month range. Homeowners heretofore have not had to absorb such a charge into their monthly budgets. But, many have had to pay for water filtration and water softening systems which should no longer be necessary.

Whether there will be a water hookup charge remains a question, officials have said. But, if such a charge is to be assessed, every effort must be made to also secure financial aid to subsidize hookup grants and/or low interest loans for property owners.

A water system, in addition to the already existing sewer system, in addition to improving the quality of life in the township, makes areas of Wysox prime land for commercial development. Should that occur, it should take the edge off any need to raise the property tax and contribute to a general increase in prosperity in Central Bradford County through such things as additional jobs, additional payroll, additional bank deposits, and businesses to service the anticipated population growth over time.

The impact on neighboring Towanda, traffic congestion notwithstanding, also should be beneficial. The Towanda Municipal Authority will benefit from the sale of water to the new system, for example.

PennDOT and other local planners and officials also ought to be looking at alternate routes around Wysox for through-traffic. It's congested enough now with all the additional traffic from the natural gas industry. Any relief that can be brought by mapping detours, and shoring up roads - austere budgets notwithstanding - will be welcome.

There is much to be done to cultivate the future. It's called growth and prosperity and planners and other public officials must deal now with what the future is expected to bring.

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