|
|
|
As spring approaches the City of Romney is revving up for a productive season, wrapping up old projects and beginning new ones that will improve its infrastructure.
City Administrator Eileen Johnson said she is currently working closely with Jennifer Hammer, Urban Forestry Technical Specialist from the West Virginia Department of Forestry, to revise their new tree ordinance.
“We are getting professional advice on planting trees in places where they have been removed,” said Johnson, speaking of the removal of several trees in the town due to the installation of wastewater lines during Phase I of the Romney Wastewater Improvement Project.
Several small flower trees such as dogwood, redbud and cherry were planted as well as some butterfly and lilac bushes.
Other ornamental species such as rose bushes and bulbs will be planted this spring when they are in season.
Already having completed the Phase I of the project, which was to replace all lines within the town, Phase II calls for the construction of a new wastewater plant that will be located at the Romney Industrial Park.
“We already have the footprint and the spot where it will be,” said Romney Mayor William E. Hicks. “The new plant will cover approximately five acres.”
Hicks describes this new facility as a “modern plant,” one that cannot be seen or smelled.
“The older plant can be smelled slightly,” said Hicks. “It is not very far from where the old plant is geographically.”
This plant will cost $10 million and will be funded through combined grants and loans from the West Virginia Infrastructure Council.
In other news, the city recently received a government grant through the efforts of Del. Ruth Rowan to purchase a chair lift for the city pool. This will enable disabled individuals to access the pool during the summer months.
“We already have the chair. It is not installed yet,” said Hicks, who said the chair would be ready by the time the pool opens its doors in May.
The town will soon see a brand new bridge that will replace the famous blue bridge that drivers from Route 50 have to cross to enter the town.
Hicks said the architectural design has been completed by state engineers and the routes have been chosen.
“The new bridge will be built on the west side of the existing bridge,” said Hicks. “It will tie into Route 50 and run through where the old water plant buildings are.”
Prior to construction, Hicks says blueprints will be provided to him and the council to review for approval.
“This bridge is definitely a thing we need,” said Hicks. “The old one is very unsafe.”
Johnson said construction on the new bridge could begin as early as May.
“We are expecting the final plans to go to the mayor for approval soon,” said Johnson. “We don’t anticipate any problems because we have been in regular meetings regarding this.”
As spring approaches the City of Romney is revving up for a productive season, wrapping up old projects and beginning new ones that will improve its infrastructure.
City Administrator Eileen Johnson said she is currently working closely with Jennifer Hammer, Urban Forestry Technical Specialist from the West Virginia Department of Forestry, to revise their new tree ordinance.
“We are getting professional advice on planting trees in places where they have been removed,” said Johnson, speaking of the removal of several trees in the town due to the installation of wastewater lines during Phase I of the Romney Wastewater Improvement Project.
Several small flower trees such as dogwood, redbud and cherry were planted as well as some butterfly and lilac bushes.
Other ornamental species such as rose bushes and bulbs will be planted this spring when they are in season.
Already having completed the Phase I of the project, which was to replace all lines within the town, Phase II calls for the construction of a new wastewater plant that will be located at the Romney Industrial Park.
“We already have the footprint and the spot where it will be,” said Romney Mayor William E. Hicks. “The new plant will cover approximately five acres.”
Hicks describes this new facility as a “modern plant,” one that cannot be seen or smelled.
“The older plant can be smelled slightly,” said Hicks. “It is not very far from where the old plant is geographically.”
This plant will cost $10 million and will be funded through combined grants and loans from the West Virginia Infrastructure Council.
In other news, the city recently received a government grant through the efforts of Del. Ruth Rowan to purchase a chair lift for the city pool. This will enable disabled individuals to access the pool during the summer months.
“We already have the chair. It is not installed yet,” said Hicks, who said the chair would be ready by the time the pool opens its doors in May.
The town will soon see a brand new bridge that will replace the famous blue bridge that drivers from Route 50 have to cross to enter the town.
Hicks said the architectural design has been completed by state engineers and the routes have been chosen.
“The new bridge will be built on the west side of the existing bridge,” said Hicks. “It will tie into Route 50 and run through where the old water plant buildings are.”
Prior to construction, Hicks says blueprints will be provided to him and the council to review for approval.
“This bridge is definitely a thing we need,” said Hicks. “The old one is very unsafe.”
Johnson said construction on the new bridge could begin as early as May.
“We are expecting the final plans to go to the mayor for approval soon,” said Johnson. “We don’t anticipate any problems because we have been in regular meetings regarding this.”
