Federal dollars could be West Union’s solution

A newly re-named assistance program could be the solution to pressing waterline projects in West Union.  The town council this morning met in workshop with members of the Rosier Group of Easley.  Troy Rosier started the get together by reminding the mayor and the four-member council of the small Oconee town of the millions of dollars available through “ARPA”—the American Rescue Plan Act.  By applying through the state Rural Infrastructure Authority, West Union might be deemed qualified for a share of money designated for what’s called community impact grants—as long as West Union’s will supplement the award by 10% and budget for a 25% construction contingency.  In parts of West Union’s service area, muddy water and small, deteriorating pipes are the problems.  And ridding the muddy water plaguing one street would clear water quality issues on a street that is home to Councilwoman Dixie Meeks and other West Union residents.  In Troy Rosier’s 41 years in the engineering business, he’s never known a time when some much federal help was available.  According to preliminary estimates, the identified highway 11, Neville Street, and Sangamo Drive issues could be resolved for about $500 thousand.  To qualify for funds, there’s a September application deadline looming.