KINGWOOD — Weather-permitting, the dam for the impoundment that supplies water to Public Service District 1 should be substantially complete by mid-March.
That was the update PSD 1 Water Operator Danny Layton gave Preston County commissioners this week.
Layton said once the dam is complete, water can only be added two feet at a time, with inspections by Dam Safety after each two feet is added.
“We’re going to the 28-foot level” total, Layton said.
In other PSD 1 news, the State Public Service Commission (PSC) set a public hearing for 1:30 p.m. March 11 at the Craig Civic Center in Kingwood to hear comments on the district’s application for a rate increase.
The dam, at the J.W. Ruby Research Farms, was the district’s primary water source. When the owners said the 50-year-old structure needed to be replaced, the district scrambled to find a temporary water source.
Since then, the district has had difficulties finding and treating temporary replacement water sources. The additional expense led to the PSC approving an emergency interim rate increase.
The PSC staff is recommending approval of a 44.91% rate hike to remain in effect until the dam project is complete and water is being used from the reservoir.
Afterwards, Step 2 rates would take effect, if the staff recommendation is followed, resulting in a decrease in rates of 7.92%. Step 3 rates are proposed to take effect 24 months from the date rates are approved in the case and result in a further decrease of 1.12%.
The PSC may adopt rates other than those recommended by its staff.
People can submit comments to the PSC through March 11 to the Executive Secretary, P.O. Box 812, Charleston, WV 25323. Reference Case No. 19-0894-PWD-19A in the correspondence.
In other commission news this week, commissioners:
– Approved a letter to the Federal Communications Commission, asking that WVUX be added to local cable packages.
– Heard a request for $3,000 or more, if possible, from the West Virginia Conservation Agency, in the fiscal year beginning July 1.
– Declared Feb. 25 Preston County Spay Day.
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