Staff report

EAST SPENCER — Town officials say work will begin Monday on a nearly $2 million project to repair and upgrade East Spencer's water distribution system.

Mayor Erma Jefferies and other town officials will host a groundbreaking ceremony at 3 p.m. Monday at the corner of West Henderson Street and North Railroad Avenue, a press release said.

In January 2006, voters passed a referendum for $1.6 million in bonds to repair the system. That qualified the town for another $200,000 in federal grants.

The work will replace old, leaky pipes and provide for better monitoring of who uses water in the town, saving the town and water customers money, officials have said.

East Spencer's administration has drawn criticism from residents and candidates for public office over the slow pace of progress on the project. Richard Hunter, the former town administrator, said last year that one holdup was acquiring easements for the work.

The town advertised for bids in November. The Board of Aldermen approved a final budget for the project and began selling bonds in May.

Town officials have said construction will take nine to 10 months. During that time, the town will accrue interest on funding deposited into a construction account. That interest will be used to help with repair and maintenance needs that arise during the project, the press release said.

East Spencer buys water from Salisbury-Rowan Utilities.

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