BY KIRK STARRATT

The Advertiser

NovaNewsNow.com

Residents of the Balsor, Ward and Eagle Crest subdivisions and Prospect Road south of Kentville who have experienced ongoing problems with water quality and quantity in private wells might soon be able to tap into a municipal supply.

In a recent letter to Kings County Warden Fred Whalen, Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister Jamie Muir said the department would contribute one-sixth of the eligible cost of the $2.4-million project, up to a maximum contribution of $400,000, to be made available through the Provincial Capital Assistance Program (PCAP) in the current fiscal year. However, the funding must be spent by March 31, 2008.

Kings South MLA David Morse said most of the money for the project would come from the municipality in the form of federal gas tax funding. He told the community he would try to procure PCAP funding, but pointed out that the budget is relatively small; about $2.5 million for the entire province for the 2007-2008 fiscal year.

However, he tried to be of assistance to the community and lobbied on its behalf because they were somewhat stymied in their attempts to move the project forward. He said he was pleasantly surprised to learn the contribution would be so significant for that particular funding program and he hopes his effort was somewhat of a catalyst.

Morse said the county is currently working on various engineering options. “I look forward to hearing an announcement in the near future,” he said.

Further public consultation

Kings County Engineering and Public Works director Richard Lloyd said staff has been working for some time with CBCL, the county’s engineering consultants, area residents and the Kentville Water Commission to develop a new central water system for the affected area.

He said the preliminary design report has been received and the municipality is currently working on the design and modeling of the proposed central water configuration with CBCL, in cooperation with the Town of Kentville and its engineering firm.

Following the design stage, there will be further public consultation to inform all residents of the project’s status, the projected schedule for implementation and updated cost estimates. This is expected to take place in November.

During the same timeframe, Lloyd said residents would be asked for a firm financial commitment, stating their intent to connect to the proposed system. After that, a report and recommendation will be prepared for council.

Councillor Chris Parker asked if the process is on track to be completed by the end of the fiscal year. Lloyd said the county has every intention of spending the $400,000 from the province by March 31 so they don’t lose it.

Parker said it was stated earlier that the province would probably contribute about $60,000 in PCAP funding. He said he and the residents are very appreciative of the funding, but wonders if the municipality could apply for more PCAP funding for the project next year. He said he would continue to lobby.

In September, Parker said the provincial funding would probably put the estimated hook-up cost per household at $7,000 to $10,000, down from the previous estimate of $10,000 to $15,000. He said the county would end up paying the interest or carrying costs on money borrowed for the project for those residents who don’t sign up at the beginning.

He suggested the province’s change of heart in offering more PCAP funding for the project is a strong indication that a provincial election is looming, perhaps as early as November.