Clay And Jackson Team To Provide More Water For Residents In Need

Jackson and Clay County are teaming together to provide reliable water for residents who rely on well and spring water.

Residents in the Mate Allen, Sneed Hollow, and Sycamore Hollow Road areas face no water source during dry months. Jackson Mayor Randy Heady said this project is mutually beneficial.

“It’s about almost four miles, counting Jackson and Clay County in,” Heady said. “It’s Mate Allen on our side and Tick Road on their side. Those people are going to be the first on the list, and then Sycamore Hollow will be the next one. We’re really excited about these projects.”

Heady said the collaboration made it easier to apply for federal funding. He said the funds are from a half a million dollar Appalachian Regional Commission grant.

About 20 households live on Mate Allen alone. Heady said there are still households in the county that won’t be able to get reliable water.

“I can’t feasibly get them water,” Heady said. “You’re talking about two to three million dollars to get water, and that’s just not a feasible project. You’ll never get your payback (it’ll never pay for itself is what I’m saying), and the government don’t like to put money where you don’t have enough people in that area to get your payback.”

Heady said they’re in the final contracting phase and are in the process of collecting bids. He said hopefully the project will begin no later than 60 days.

The over five and a half mile pipe installment project should complete Spring 2021.