By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
LANDIS — The first sign of construction for the Landis water project began early Monday morning after years of delays.
The town board, staff and contractors gathered at the site of the future booster pump station at South Chapel Street for a groundbreaking ceremony.
“It’s certainly been a long time coming,” said Mayor James Furr.
The water system was put into place about 65 years ago and about 10 years ago it became apparent that the system needed an overhaul, Furr said.
In 2007, voters approved bonds for a water and sewer project. The project sat idle as the town worked to acquire stimulus money and grants, which the town did not receive at that time.
The town opted to start the water project separate from the sewer portion, which will begin sometime later. Funding for the nearly $4.6 million water project includes a $3.37 million U.S. Department of Agriculture loan and $1.2 million in grants.
Town Engineer Mike Acquesta with Municipal Engineering Services Co., said one of the first projects will be the booster pump station. Acquesta said the facade of the structure will look like a house and fit in with the surrounding residential area.
Acquesta said he hopes residents are patient with the process.
Freddie Young, vice president and project management at Sanders Utility Construction Co., said the company is looking forward to starting.
A work crew with Ritchie Construction started digging Monday morning along West 5th Street in front of Kannapolis Church of God to replace meters. The crew will work toward downtown, said Public Works Director Steve Rowland.
“We are happy to get underway,” said David Garrow, an estimator with Ritchie Construction, of Mount Pleasant.
The project is divided into three phases. The first phase, handled by Ritchie Construction, will encompass replacement of water meters and hydrants in the southern and western parts of town including West Ryder Avenue, West 5th and South Zion streets.
The second phase will include replacing meters, hydrants, lines and valves in southern and western Landis along West Ridge and West Ryder avenues, North Meriah and West Rice streets as well as West Davis Street. Sanders Utility Construction of Charlotte will do the work.
The third phase will be done by Hall Construction based in Fayetteville. This phase includes the booster pump station along with new lines at South Chapel and South Correll streets. A new line will also connect South Chapel to South Main Street.
“This is a large project with a lot of upheaval in town. The end result will be worth the inconvenience,” Furr said.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.