Sewer Service Extended

by Amy Kolb Noyes

MORRISTOWN - Although the Ames space in Morrisville Plaza still stands
empty, Plaza owner Murphy Realty, of St. Johnsbury, is currently
investing in a major capital improvement. Murphy is financing an
expansion of the Morrisville Water & Light Department's sewer main to
serve McDonald's, a new Kinney Drugs building to be constructed in
spring 2005, and to improve sewer capacity to the plaza in anticipation
of a new tenant in the Ames space.
MW&L Superintendent Scott Corse explained the project involves tapping
into the existing main, which comes up Munson Avenue to serve Price
Chopper and Morrisville Plaza. Murphy has hired H.A. Manosh Corp. to
extend the line across the plaza parking lot. From there, Corse said the
main will take a turn and head up Route 15 toward Goss Tire and Country
Home Center.
Corse explained MW&L, as a matter of policy, is not building any new
sewer mains. Businesses interested in having the main extended must be
approved for sewer allocation, pay for the extension, then deed the
infrastructure over to MW&L. In addition, the businesses are required to
pay a one-time capacity charge equal to $10 for each gallon per day it
is estimated that user will add to the system.
In the case of Murphy Realty's holdings, Corse said Murphy paid a
$43,000 capacity charge for an estimated 4,300 gallons per day. Corse
explained the capacity charges are put in a separate account, set aside
for future sewer plant expansion.
Goss Tire and County Home Center have also paid a capacity fee,
according to Corse. He commented, "They've paid their capacity, so
they're welcome to connect."
In other news, Corse said MW&L's anticipated 10.02% electric rate
increase has been approved. MW&L was originally seeking an 11.33%
increase, but it was clear early on in the process that a portion of the
increase would be disallowed by the state Public Service Board. Corse
said MW&L's books are now where he wants them to be, and he does not
anticipate any more rate increases, in electric, water or sewer
services, through 2005.