Published: May 27, 2008 04:48 pm      

Rusk continues water system expansion

By Cristin Ross

cross@jacksonvilleprogress.com

At least one Rusk resident is relieved to see the city working on the water system in their neighborhoods.

Crews are laying new 10-inch water lines along U.S. Highway 84 East, so residents on that side of town will be able to take advantage of the new city well when it becomes operational.

“I’m happy to see we’re getting this after all these years,” said Joe Williamson, a resident in the area. “Every time the electricity goes out, the water goes out over here. They said the water tower would help, but it hadn’t made much difference that I can see.

“Hopefully this will do it.”

Rusk’s newest water well project is predicted to be online by the end of June. The city is drilling the new well to update and expand the water system.

The city received authorization from the Neches and Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District in November 2007 to move forward with the construction of the 200,000 gallon ground storage tank and the new 250 gallon-a-minute capacity well.

The well and tank will be able to better serve homes on the south side of Rusk, as well as the high school and junior high school campuses. The well will also serve as backup for residences on the east side of town.

Drilling started in February at the site, located on the Atoy Highway, just south of Rusk.

Williamson said he’s pleased enough to see the work, that he doesn’t mind the mess the project is making of his yard.

“That’s all right,” he said with a shrug. “That’s just progress.”

Rusk City Manager Mike Murray said the job calls for construction crews to smooth peoples’ yards and plant grass after the pipes are covered and the job is complete.

“We ask that home owners will be patient with us while we complete this project,” Murray said. “We’re not going to leave anyone’s yard in a mess.”