Trial reaches the defense side

The Pioneer trial reached the defense side today with Terry Pruitt, water district general manager, completing his testimony just before the break for lunch.  The trial at the Oconee Courthouse resumes at 2:30.  Defense lawyer Troy Tessier told Judge McIntosh his side will call two more witnesses.  Pruitt testified today the district has invested $7 million so far toward the construction of the treatment plant–the final cost of which has been debated during this week’s trial.  And he told his lawyer that if the project is stopped, he’s confident Pioneer customers will be harmed and the contractor will file a claim toward a settlement.  The bid of the Harper Corporation to build the 2.5 MGD treatment plant of $17 million dollars was accepted by the Pioneer board of directors.