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Mt. Jewett sewage also interests private firms |
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Written by Publisher
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Thursday, 30 April 2009 |
MT. JEWETT -- Two private companies interested in buying the Mt. Jewett water system also are considering the acquisition of the Mt. Jewett sewage system.
This revelation was discussed Tuesday at a two-hour Mt. Jewett Borough Council workshop at the borough building on Center Street.
By Ted Lutz
Republican Staff
MT. JEWETT -- Two private companies interested in buying the Mt. Jewett water system also are considering the acquisition of the Mt. Jewett sewage system.
This revelation was discussed Tuesday at a two-hour Mt. Jewett Borough Council workshop at the borough building on Center Street.
Pennsylvania-American Water and Aqua Pennsylvania, both private companies, have made overtures to possibly acquire the Mt. Jewett public water system. The system has about 470 customers.
According to information discussed Tuesday by council, both private companies also have expressed similar interest in acquiring the Mt. Jewett sewage system, which has about 426 customers.
The companies have yet to make formal proposals for the purchase of the public water and sewage treatment systems in Mt. Jewett.
Volunteer authorities now oversee the operation of the water and sewage systems.
Pennsylvania-American Water last week toured the Mt. Jewett water facilities. Aqua Pennsylvania may tour the system in the near future, according to discussion Tuesday.
Borough Council President Chuck Paar said the borough would only consider proposals to sell the water and sewer systems to private companies if such a move would benefit Mt. Jewett residents.
"Let's look into this to see if there are viable options," Paar said Tuesday. "If selling is in our best interests, we should look into it. We want what's best for the community."
If the time comes when private companies are willing to make firm proposals to buy the public water and sewer systems, Paar said council may schedule a "town forum" to give residents a chance to question the prospective buyers.
Patrick McGuire, chairman of the Mt. Jewett Regional Sewer Authority, said the volunteer sewer board also "wants what's best for our residents."
"We all play for the same team-- our residents and taxpayers," McGuire said at the council forum.
The Mt. Jewett Borough Water Authority has gone on record against selling the public water system. The sewer board has not discussed a possible sale of the sewage system.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 12 June 2009 )
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