Plans take shape for rural sewer project

Noreen Hyslop photo Markings like this one have been spotted in several outlying areas of Dexter and residents have questioned their purpose. The taped areas mark the boundaries of Stoddard County Common Sewer District No. 1, which will be undergoing a major Clean Water Project in the near future.

Residents of rural Dexter, specifically those in the outlying area southwest of the city, have been wondering what the L-shaped markings are all about that can be found along County Road 624 and in an area north and west of the high school.

The answer finally comes from Bill Green of William A Green and Associates, a consulting engineering firm out of Malden, and from David Agey, President of the Board of Trustees of Stoddard County Common Sewer District No. 1.

The markings have been put in place, according to Agey, to designate the corners of the sewer district and provide an aerial topography survey.

The area included in the Clean Water Project is bordered by Anna Drive on the east end to Two Mile Road at Grant Street and from the railroad tracks to Highway ZZ. The southern boundary is a jagged line running along points on County Road 624.

Funding for the project comes from two main sources, in the form of both a loan and grants.

"We were provided with a loan from the Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Department in the amount of $1,850,000 and a grant from the same department," Agey explained. "Another grant came from the Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $1,235,000."

"With a total projected cost of $4,935,000, this represents a 63 percent funding grant," Agey stated, "which is just outstanding."

The sewer system's treatment lagoon will be located about one half mile north of Grant Street on the south side of what is referred to as the Dudley Main Ditch, Agey said.

According to Green, bids for the job will be let in December of this year or at the latest, January of 2009. The projected date of completion of the sewer project is late 2009.