The Hamlet Town Council welcomed new member Shirley Budka during their recent meeting. Budka was the lone candidate to fill the seat previously held by the late Connie Bailey in a recent Democratic caucus.
The council went on to discuss the recent grant award from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs for an upcoming water project.
Grant Administrator Mike Kleinpeter with Kleinpeter Consulting Group previously explained during a Hamlet Town Council meeting that the town was applying for a $700,000 competitive water grant from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs.
There are lead lines that need to be replaced as required by the state which will add an estimated $200,000 to the project, depending on how many lines need to be replaced. Beyond that, the entire project includes hydrant and valve replacements, water meters and meter pits, metering system, new standby generator, water main looping, and vac trailer. The project should improve water pressure and water quality for the town residents.
It was noted that this is a priority project for the council.
The town was notified of the grant award for $700,000 at the end of August.
As part of the project, the town hopes to secure $1,008,871 in State Revolving Loan funds to help fund the project. Clerk-Treasurer Kristina Pitts said town officials are still awaiting information about the State Revolving Loan request.
