New sewer in the works for Geraldine
By Malarie Allen | Sand Mountain Reporter | April 19, 2013

 

The town of Geraldine is taking steps to help their citizens and future development in the town.

Town leaders have been working to bring a sewer system to the town for the past five years.

After a study completed by Ladd Engineering Associates in Fort Payne, the town applied for a grant through the USDA Rural Development program to build a $3.5 million sewer system.

The proposed system would process around 60,000 gallons a day and initially serve about 75-80 percent of residents and businesses in the town limits.

“Once we can get one done, they tell us that grants to improve and update and increase are more readily available,” Mayor Chuck Ables said.

The town also purchased around 25 acres of land to use for the project should they receive the grant.

However, they received a letter about a year and a half ago that said Geraldine could not be awarded the money yet, but it is still being considered.

“We’ve met with Senator Robert Aderholt, and he’s really on board with trying to help us with this and recognizes the need for it,” Ables said.

Town leaders announced during a council meeting on April 1 that they recently met with the Rural Development program and submitted additional updated paperwork.

“We’re just really working hard trying to make sure we’re doing all the things we need to do in order to obtain this grant,” Ables said. “I feel like we’re getting closer on it. We’re really encouraged with the steps that are being made. When they ask for additional information, that tells us it’s being considered and hadn’t just been thrown in a drawer somewhere.”

A sewer system is not only key to bringing in new businesses, but Ables said it would help the citizens as well. A recent geological study showed the ground at Geraldine to be “very saturated already,” and the cost of building and periodically draining septic tanks continues to rise, according to Ables.

“This is not just for city hall and businesses, but it’s also for the school and the citizens as well,” he said.

 

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