Campbellsburg approves five sewer pro

General Manager

After a 6-0 vote by the Campbellsburg City Council on Jan. 22 to approve plans that would initiate five sewer system projects, businessman Bruce Duncan had just one question.

"Does this mean we're going to do it?" he asked.

"It" is a utilities bore underneath Interstate-71 that some believe could be the foundation for future development around the Campbellsburg exit.

The unanimous vote would complete five projects - the utility bore under I- 71, installation of a gravity line on Bell Avenue, installation of a gravity line on Franklin Avenue, installation of a forced main along Citation Lane at the Henry County Industrial Park, and installation of sewer lines connecting the Henry County Commerce Park to the Campbellsburg sewer system.

The only project not covered by the engineering agreement would be installing sewer lines on the north/west side of I-71 - an estimated total for which is about $700,000 according to the latest estimates.

The move was an extension of the council's December discussion involving how to spend remaining funds from the city's forced main sewer project that linked the city's utilities to Carrollton Utilities. Because of the nature of the grant, the remaining funds cannot be used to pay back a portion of a $1.5 million USDA loan, but must be used on infrastructure development.

Dan Shoemaker, of the engineering firm Tetra Tech, told the council that of the original $3.4 million in funding for the initial project, $2.73 million had been used, leaving $670,000 in surplus funds. Additionally, the city has approximately $115,840 worth of pipe on hand.

"That's going to come back into your project, into your funding," Shoemaker said. "What you have left, we believe, right now is $785,000."

Shoemaker said Tetra Tech would find someone to buy the surplus pipe, most likely at a discount. Campbellsburg, however, will receive the full value of the pipe.

He went on to say that the estimated total cost for the remaining projects, not including installing of sewer lines north of I-71, was about $774,000.

"This is a conservative cost estimate," he said. "I feel confident that we can do (these projects) for this (amount). It's still within the funding that you have available."

Shoemaker indicated that Tetra Tech and the city would pursue a change order with Salmon Construction Company to complete the additional projects.

Council member Rex Morgan indicated he was happy with the estimate, and wanted to proceed with the remaining projects.

"I personally don't have a problem with that because we have to spend the money, he said.

Based on the estimates presented in the meeting, the city could have $10,000 in surplus funding once all projects are completed. When Morgan asked what would be done with that money, Rucker expressed caution that it would even exist.

"We either find another project, or we give it back," he said. "Realistically, I'm going to be very happy if we have $100 left."

Rucker did say that the city could hold onto additional funds until July 1, when the sewer system and its improvements fall under the purview of Carrollton Utilities.

"We could hold onto it for the time being, because until July 1, if we have a problem, it's our baby," he said. "Let's say we have a major break. We've got to take care of the financing. After July 1, Carrollton Utilities becomes the sole owner ... and then if there's a break, it's their problem."

Morgan questioned Henry County Judge-Executive John Logan Brent on just how much the county would contribute, particularly in regards to getting sewer access to the Henry County Commerce Park.

"There's any cost overrun on this ... you get the other three projects done first, what's left, we'll make up the difference," he said.

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