Leadwood water projects ‘gaining traction’
Dan Schunks, dschunks@dailyjournalonline.com
The Leadwood Board of Aldermen met in special session Tuesday evening with one item on the agenda— the ongoing water project.
The purpose of the meeting was to enact a new ordinance authorizing the mayor and the city to prepare and submit documents and establish administrative organization to participate in the Community Development Block Grant program offered through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Tim Robbs, lead engineer on the project from Taylor Engineering in Farmington, said that the process was “gaining traction” and he is looking forward to the program moving ahead.
Tim Robbs spoke about the progress of Leadwood’s water project during Tuesday night’s meeting. (Dan Schunks)
Mayor Robert Crump read the proposed ordinance and Alderman Aaron Penberthy moved to accept it. His motion was seconded by Alderman Tom Radford. It passed unanimously.
While this project has 2013 as its starting point, the city of Leadwood has been plagued with dubious water for over 50 years.
While the water is safe to drink, it is often discolored and sometimes has an odor.
The system dates back to the turn of the 20th century, when St. Joe Lead Co. provided the utilities for the unincorporated community of Leadwood. The city purchased the system from St. Joe when the company closed its operations in Leadwood in the 1960s.
As a result, there are major portions of the system that may be 120 years old. The city is seeking to replace the antiquated system and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
The next regular meeting of the Leadwood council will be Aug. 28.
