Project Update
Happy New Year & THANKS to all the great members and volunteers currently working on and contributing to the Phase 2 expansion. We had a project review with state and federal regulators on December 22. They understand the critical need for clean drinking water in Alburgh and support is solid. We also discussed the need, in the face of inflation and uncertain future spending, the need on current schedule:
1. Design complete: 1/23
2. Permits & approvals: 6/23
3. Request for bids: 8/23
4. Evaluate & award: 10/23
5. Begin construction: 11/23
6. Complete construction: 8/24
7. Begin operations: 10/24

Progress
We continue to accept new deposits and the list of Phase 2 customers is growing. We need a minimum of 85 prior to start of the construction and given how briskly we are moving, certainly appears doable. Several changes have been made to accommodate current conditions such as: adjusting alignment slightly to account for archeological issues, terrain and minimizing road disruptions as well as the need to add a chlorine booster station at beginning of Phase 2. The Team has been working with select customers and property owners to work through some minor issues, making several field visits (see photos). Everyone has been very cooperative and we appreciate everyone's patience as we work through the usual issues encountered on a project of this scope. Note: Phase 2 alone is over 8 miles long and projected to cost $6.1M, once complete (about 50% will come from a Federal matching grant). SAFD2 recently approved several ordinance changes to enhance customer value: a. Limited-Service Lines will allow nearby customers, who are a long distance off the main water line, to share a smaller (2"?) private line, thereby significantly reducing cost.

b. Also, we have approved "inactive account status" which will allow customers to pay for a service drop installation upfront at the reduced cost of $1500 ($2500 if done after construction has begun). These inactive customers will not have to begin water service or any payments until, at some later date, when they determine they need the town water. This is a big advantage to all homes that are across the road from the line as construction team will have the equipment and ability to push pipe under road without additional cost to the customer.

Quality Water
This continues to be a major challenge for most town residences, whether using lake or well water. We have compiled those water quality issues here and welcome more submissions:
http://www.safd2.org/uploads/2/4/3/2/24321055/letters_from_alburgh___residents__1_.pdf

Focus Activities
The Team is currently focused on wrapping up the required easements. This is vitally important as we cannot go out for bids until all are signed, notarized, and recorded with the town office. PLEASE work with us to get yours done ASAP. Also, SAFD2 has decided to move our accounting to QuickBooks on-line. We are in need of a local expert that can help us setup and train our team to most efficiently use it. If you have experience and would like to earn a little extra money while helping your community, please reach out to use at address or number below. Our next meeting is Monday, 1/16/23 at 6:30 PM in the town office. Please join us!

Event Info

Nov 26, 2024, 7 to 8 PM

Nov 27, 2024, 6:30 PM

Dec 3, 2024, 6 to 7 PM