Sewer authority looks at possible federal relief grant

The executive committee of the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority gathers tomorrow for discussion on the possibility of a federal grant that would address sewer needs in the Martin Creek basin near Seneca.  According to JRSA officials, there’s money available through the U-S Economic Development Administration under the “CARES” Act.  But the problem, according to the sewer authority’s Scott Parris, is that a local supplement of $1.5 million would be required to receive $6 million of “CARES” money.  Parris, the Walhalla utilities director, inquired of his mayor and council last night if they would be willing to help the JRSA supplement the grant.  Parris heard Mayor Edwards say the city would not commit without hearing directly from Chris Eleazer, the JRSA executive director, and the mayor indicated he’d like Eleazer to make a presentation to the city council.  Edwards also said that he thought the JRSA had as much as $5 million in reserves, but Parris said the JRSA doesn’t have enough available to commit to the grant.  He said the options are a loan or a financial commitment from the cities.