Regional water study proposed

By WAYNE QUESENBERRY/Staff

Wytheville Town Council is lending support to a new statewide radio system for the Virginia State Police. The local governing body agreed Monday evening to lease space on Sand Mountain for a new tower.
“The communication system that the Virginia State Police are installing,” remarked Bill Weisiger, member of council and the public works committee, “is an important needed communication system throughout Virginia. We think it is worthwhile to cooperate with the Virginia State Police and would recommend that we execute a deed of lease with them to accommodate their need.”
He pointed out that the state police has agreed to bear any expenses associated with surveys, legal document preparation and any other related costs. The parcel, Weisiger said, is approximately 60 feet by 60 feet and on top of Sand Mountain.
“The state police have offered the town space on the new tower that could be used for our own communication requirements in the future,” Weisiger added. “In the event the town does locate equipment on the state police tower, the technicians for the Virginia State Police would maintain our equipment.”
In other action Monday evening, Weisiger informed council that Smyth and Pulaski county governments have expressed interest in participating in a regional water study. He said it’s not known at this time if they will commit to the study.
Several weeks ago, council approved an appropriation of $5,000 to conduct a water study to see if it’s possible of interconnecting the water systems of Wytheville, Wythe County and Rural Retreat. The appropriation was contingent upon the other two jurisdictions’ commitment of the same amount.
“Both governments have agreed to the appropriation of this funding,” Weisiger stated. “Mount Rogers Planning District Commission is seeking the remaining $60,000 in grant funds to be provided both by the Virginia Department of Health and the Mount Rogers Planning District Commission.”
A New River Regional Water Study was prepared in 2000 by Anderson and Associates. It included the towns of Wytheville, Rural Retreat, Independence, Hillsville and Fries and the counties of Wythe, Grayson and Carroll.
Wayne Quesenberry can be reached at 228-6611 or .