Sweden holds Shumway water public hearing

Approximately 30 residents attended the August 23 public hearing held by the Sweden Town Board regarding public water expansion on Shumway Road and a portion of Sweden Walker Road.

The total estimated cost of the project is $924,000. Town Engineer Jim Oberst explained that the project was made possible by the contribution of $750,000 from the Monroe County Water Authority (MCWA), leaving $174,000 to be borne by the property owners in the district.

The MCWA had planned to loop its current water system to help increase water pressure south of Route 31, notably in the Talamora Trail subdivision. Sweden Supervisor Nat O. Lester, III and Town Board members met with MCWA Chief Jim Smith last fall and proposed the creation of a new water district in conjunction with the Water Authority plans. Sweden's goal was to bring public water to as many properties in the area as possible. Smith agreed to contribute the $750,000 to the Sweden water district as long as the new water district was designed to meet the MCWA objective.

The new water district will bring public water to 37 properties. The town wanted to extend the district to another four properties on Shumway Road, but was not able to do so and keep the cost of the project within the cap set by the New York State Comptroller's Office. The New York State cap for 2005 is $575 per property, and even with the $750,000 MCWA contribution, the project came in at $573 per property.

"Without the Water Authority's funds, these residents could not have public water at this time," said Oberst.

Similarly, the Colby Street water project was made possible by a $375,000 contribution from Iroquois Rock products. Currently under construction, the Colby Street water project is bringing public water to 38 properties.

Following the conclusion of the Shumway petition process and public hearing, the town board may move forward with the formation of the water district. Construction of the water line will likely take place in 2006.

Material submitted by town officials