The nearly 40 acres was purchased some four years ago and only has water service available.Monday morning city public works director Ron casey told the HEDA members there is no money currently in the budget to fund a sewer line. That would would include during space under Interstate 40.
“We have had several businesses interested in locating there,” said HEDA member Jim Beymer. “It ought to be a priority. The city is not going to grow until we get it there.”
Casey explained the city has just had a bid opening for new sludge drying beds at the water plant and will be seeking bids on the million-gallon water tower replacement east of town. Those two projects are expected to total nearly $1.6 million.
A recent study has been done on the sewer line project at a cost of $80,000. Beamer said there have been studies before. “We need to stop studying and do something.”
Casey told the members the city is working with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to change over existing stop lights to energy efficient LED versions. He said there are several stop lights with broken colored lenses and those lenses are no longer available. No date was given when that replacement would be accomplished. “They don’t make those lenses any more.”
He said a tentative January 9, 2017 date has been set for ground to be broken at the Eastern Oklahoma Family health Center. It will be located at the former smelter site northeast of Henryetta. Construction is expected to take over a year.
Also coming in April 2017 will be the Oklahoma Cross Country Racing Association (OCCRA) race at Nichols Park.
Casey said that is expected to be a national event with some 2,000 racers participating. The organization held a race last spring that was designed for only Oklahoma participants.
The HEDA board selected Keith Estes to be the chairman for the coming year and named Jill Francis as vice-chair.