Greencastle water authority gives green light to water main extension project

Wexcon Construction, Mohrsville, was the apparent low bidder out of four, and was chosen to finish the water main extension project on U.S. 11 South. Greencastle Area Franklin County Water Authority approved an intent to award Monday night. Wexcon will run pipe from Route 16/Carl Avenue south to Franklin Street, west to U.S. 11 and then south to Nova Drive. The base bid was $501,135, and a contingency bid for add-ons if needed was $105,875. The authority will act on an alternate bid of $68,500 next month after it clarifies some details. The project is expected to be completed this fall, although paving could be delayed until spring.

With two of the bids competitive, authority manager Ken Womack said, "The bigger issue is, can we pay for it?"

He reviewed GAFCWA finances, including 2013 projections. The authority had $750,000 set aside in a fund, including $323,000 contributed by Heritage Estates West, which needed the water source. Members Jason Gerhart, Greg Rock and Bob Miller hoped no unforeseen circumstances arose for regular operations. Rodney Rose was absent.

"We don't have any capital projects planned for next year," said Womack. "That helps. I think we'll be all right."

After the meeting adjourned, Greencastle and Antrim Township representatives on a special committee met to discuss a possible merge of their two water systems.