Nearly $6 million project scheduled for completion in one year

Special to Iredell Free News

The Iredell Water Corporation Board of Directors recently awarded contracts for a new water main extension in the Oswalt Amity area east of Troutman.

The project consists of approximately 14 miles of water mains, a new elevated water tank, and two new well pump stations in the area. Water mains will be installed on Brawley Road, Oswalt Amity Road, Overcash Road, Shinnville Road, and Weathers Creek Road.

The water main contract was awarded to Classic City Mechanical Inc. of Winterville, Ga.. The elevated tank contract was awarded to Caldwell Tank Inc of Louisville, Ky. The well pump stations contract was awarded to Gilbert Engineering Inc. of Statesville.

Construction of the project is slated to begin within the next 30 days. The entire project has a completion date of 365 days.

WithersRavenel of Greensboro is the project engineer and will administer the entire construction process. Jordan Grant & Associates of Statesville will be the local project representative and will conduct daily inspections for the project.

Iredell Water Corporation began discussions about extending water service into this area over 15 years ago. Planning and engineering for this extension began in 2017.

In total, Iredell Water Corporation’s investment in this project will be just over $5.9 million.

Iredell Water Corporation’s funding for the project will be a mix of current funds, a direct loan from USDA-Rural Development, and a loan through CoBank of Colorado, which USDA-RD will also guarantee.

The Iredell County Board of Commissioners has agreed to partner in the project by supplying funds to provide for the installation of hydrants to aid with fire protection in the area.

Iredell Water Corporation is a non-profit, membership owned, water utility formed in 1966 by residents of Iredell County. Iredell Water’s mission is to provide a safe, dependable, potable water supply to areas of Iredell County that would otherwise never be served by a public water system or municipality.

Iredell Water Corporation currently serves a population of over 24,000 people in homes and businesses with over 400 miles of water distribution system in central, eastern, and northern Iredell County. Iredell Water Corporation is not affiliated with Iredell County Government.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community services such as schools, public safety, and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. CoBank is one of the largest private providers of credit to the rural economy, delivering loans, leases and other financial services to agribusiness and rural infrastructure in all 50 states.