MORGANTOWN — According to the Morgantown Utility Board, rough preliminary estimates indicate that approximately $3.4 million in sewer line extensions could be needed if Morgantown’s draft annexation plan is ultimately adopted.
The utility is now looking to the city for answers as to how the cost of that additional infrastructure would be covered.
According to the city’s draft plan, passage would bring roughly 3.8 square miles of property into the city, including nearly 13,000 new city residents and 367 businesses.
Morgantown city code requires those within the city to be connected to the public sewer. It also prohibits private septic systems within the city.
MUB Spokesman Chris Dale said MUB asked the city whether that ordinance will apply and be enforced in the areas targeted for annexation.
If so, MUB identified 11 sewer line extension projects that would be necessary — ranging in estimated cost from $15,400 to service one address on Dorsey Avenue to $1,082,900 for an extension covering 43 addresses in the area of Berwood Drive, Mileground Road, Arkwright Avenue and Airport Boulevard.
Other prospective line extensions (and preliminary cost estimates) include: Nine addresses on Farrell Street and Collins Ferry Road ($535,100)
Six addresses on John Poole Road ($317,700)
One address on Don Knotts Boulevard ($80,500)
Nine addresses on Idlewood and Liberty streets ($464,100)
One address on Chestnut Ridge Road ($35,100)
One address on School Street ($111,100)
Two addresses on Everlasting Lane ($116,200)
Six addresses on West Run and Stewartstown roads ($138,100)
One address on Vista Del Rio Drive, which receives water from the Clinton Water Association ($531,500).
West Virginia Public Service Commission rules dictate MUB’s share of the costs would be limited to 60 months net revenue to be earned from the new customers. All costs in excess of that amount would be paid by the party making the request for service.
“We have asked the city for a clarification on whether the city will participate in these costs, and if so, to what degree,” Dale explained. “Any cost not paid by the city, and in excess of the 60-month net revenue share paid by the utility will be the responsibility of the property owner(s).”
Along with any cost to the 81 addresses encompassed by the 11 prospective line extensions, city code also stipulates a $700 tap fee.
Dale said there are an additional 43 addresses that have an existing line at their property, but are not hooked up, meaning they will also be responsible for the $700 tap fee.
Also, according to MUB, federal regulations dictate any annexation will expand MUB’s stormwater service area, meaning everyone in the newly annexed areas will pay MUB stormwater fees.
According to Dale, those fees are $5.88 a month ($70.56 annually) for a residence and $2.35 for every 1,000 square feet of business space.
As for water service, Dale said MUB already covers the vast majority of the area targeted for annexation. Two exceptions include the proposed annexation area along West Run Road, which receives water from the Cheat View Public Service District; and the Dorsey Knob and Scott Avenue areas, which are served by the Clinton Water Association
“MUB would not insist on replacing those existing water providers,” Dale said.
Morgantown Communications Manager Andrew Stacy said the city is in the process of working with MUB on these issues.
“One thing the city administration is not interested in doing is supporting or rushing into any final plan without considering all the options,” Stacy said. “The city has and will continue to make as much information as possible available regarding its draft annexation plan.”
Reporter Will Dean contributed to this report.
