Houston County using bond monies for other projects

Two major water projects came in more than $1 million under budget this past year, so Houston County is using the excess to fund other water and street projects.

The money is part of a $9 million bond issue let in early 2008 that was being used to expand water service in Taylor, Cowarts and Wicksburg. Funds were also going for resurfacing. Since the Taylor and Wicksburg projects cost less than expected, county officials are moving forward with paving five roads.

Houston County commissioners also expect to put $500,000 toward completion of the Ardilla intersection improvements and resurfacing. This project is part of a city-county-state cost-share to address improvements at a dangerous intersection.

Also, $340,000 will fund the Smithfield Road and Houston County Water Authority expansion project that was approved in January 2008. The project has been on hold since Country Crossing was announced the following month and it appeared the development might locate off Smithville Road. Then the county attempted to acquire stimulus funds to pay for the project, which did not come through.

Chairman Mark Culver said it was time to move forward with this and other projects that are ready to go.

“We are fortunate to have extra money in the bond issue that must go to capital projects,” Culver said. “It will pay for the pipe on the Ardilla project, so that money won’t have to come out of (Road and Bridge) money.”

The expenditures total slightly more than $1 million, leaving $66,000 to be utilized by mid-January. Culver said that money might go to a project at the state rest area on U.S. 231 South.