Save our water

Dear Editor,

It is evident that our Jones County water supply is in jeopardy. The Jones County commissioners seem to be on a catastrophic course with our water supply. The Development Authority and the commissioners are proposing to build an industrial complex over the Jones County water supply.

I am a Class 2 water superintendent and have worked in the water industry for 48 continuous years. I started the water system in Jones County in 1958 as a private water system. I sold this system to Jones County in 1970. I managed this system for the county for some 30 years more. I feel it is imperative that this proposed plan to develop the 956 acres as an industrial site be reconsidered. At our P and Z meeting there were many questions unanswered. I for one know that this is the only site we have in this area of Jones County that can produce a million+ gallons per day. The proposed development appears to be on track at any cost.

The taxpayers, along with the water system, are in immediate danger. There seems to be very little planning for this project. No one on the Development Authority could provide any information of studies or cost of site prep, sewerage, environmental impact, geological study, soil scientist opinion, water run-off, D.O.T., railway provisions, wetlands, old landfill, and high pressure gas line crossing, to mention a few. All we were told was the county authority spent $2.6 million to acquire this property, and bonds were issued for $3.2 million to cover the initial debt service for the bonds. Apparently very little, if any, responsible advice was sought because if it had this site would not have been selected. I am in favor of growth in Jones County, but growth in the wrong direction is not progress.

B. R. (Robert) Andrews

Jones County