Lower’s MUA Passes Budgets, Gets Report on Villas Water Project

VILLAS – The Nov. 2 meeting of Lower Township Municipal Utilities Authority featured a budget resolution that passed unanimously. According to Executive Director Michael Chapman, the resolution pertains to the fiscal year expense budget of $8.39 million, and a capital budget of $6 million which reflects the water and sewer projects in progress. 
The fiscal year covers Dec. 1, 2016, to Nov. 30, 2017.
A status report was presented on the $3.7-million East Villas Water Main Construction project that is ongoing; construction is apparent on Bayshore Road in Villas. 
According to MUA board member Steven Sheftz, the Lower Township MUA serves over 13,000 sewer customers and 9,500 water customers. Sheftz stated that he takes great pride in the MUA and the board because “We have among the lowest water/sewer rates in the state for sure; we are near the bottom of the barrel in New Jersey” as far as rates are concerned.
Chapman added that the rates for users had not been raised since January 2011.
According to Sheftz, Phase 1 of the East Villas project has provided about 300 homeowners with township water services, with some 100 or more to be completed. 
Phase II is expected to add another 450 homes and businesses to the water system next year. A plan for Phase II will be submitted to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) for approval because that agency will provide full financing for the 40-year loan; a response back from the USDA is expected early next year.
In other business, funds were transferred from a Sturdy Capital Improvement fund to a Sturdy Operating fund to facilitate paying for various capital projects including the water main projects, and the Wissahickon Sewer Rehab project, and the rehab of pump station #20. The MUA also intends to bid on a “flight pump” and an “underground video inspection camera system.”
To contact Jim McCarty, email jmccarty@cmcherald.com.