News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Byrdstown awarded a $630,000 grant to install automatic meter readers across its water system.
Mayor Sam Gibson said the town will match the project with $68,000 in local funds.
“Hopefully when we do this and bid this, we are hoping to get at least a couple thousand,” Gibson said. “We have about 3,000 meters in the district. We would like to get them all if we can, and eventually, we would like to get them all.”
Consultant Zeda Hillis said the town’s contracted engineering firm has already gathered quotes for the project. Hillis said the town will be able to replace more meters as work progresses if it finds the funds.
“You’re putting new meters into the footprint of existing meters, so you’re not having to do a lot of environmental because they go back to the same location,” Hillis said.
Gibson said once completed, the town will save money on meter misreads as well as the man power to physically record water use.
In other business, Byrdstown wants to purchase a new snow plow truck and meter reader vehicle through a grant application.
Mayor Sam Gibson said the town could receive up to $50,000 with a local match of $25,000.
“We’ve got our snow plow and a salter on a half ton truck,” Gibson said. “There’s much difference between a half ton truck and a three quarter even though they look the same. So, the heavy duty and getting that heavy blade on a three quarter ton that will last forever.”
