TBCD Seeks Funding for “Must Do” Projects

… No Rate Increase

By Gloria Way

  Trinity Bay Conservation District (TBCD) is seeking to sell bonds for three major projects. The total amount of the bonds will be $3 million at 3.9% interest for 15 years. TBCD President Victor Carraway stressed that there will be NO rate increase to pay for the new bonds. “About a year and a half ago, we, the Board, increased water/sewer rates and promised our customers that the money raised from the new rate increase would be set aside to pay for future projects. We have set aside $80,000/month and the new bonds’ principal and interest will be paid out of the $80,000/month. The new bonds ‘payment is estimated to be $27,000/month which will leave us with $53,000/month to work on other projects.”

  The first project is the 20-inch water line project”. This project refers to the water line that goes under I-10 and FM 1406. Carraway explains, “The current water line is only an 8-inch water line. That cannot accommodate the anticipated growth that will be occurring north of I-10. This line will reach the water treatment facility plant in Hankamer. The project is out for bids and it is estimated to be in the $300,000 to $400,000 range.”

  The second project is to secure funding for 2,700 digital water meters. Carraway said, “TBCD has already bought close to 1,200 new meters for our residential customers. With the purchase of 2,700 digital water meters, all residential customers on a 5/8 inch water line will have a digital water meter.”

  Project #3 is to build a new West ground water storage tank. “The water tank on SH65 in Anahuac has been in need of repair for several years,” Carraway explained. “The west ground water tank is beyond repair and a new one needs to be built. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has informed us that TBCD needs a new tank an has agreed to work with us to secure funding for the project. We are seeking bids and the cost is estimated to be between $1.5 million to $1.7 million.”

  Carraway also stated that the three projects are considered “must do”. “These are major projects that must take priority. We also have several sewer projects and drainage projects that will be paid for by the remainder $53,000/month. The completion of these projects will help TBCD meet the needs of the community and be prepared to address the growth that is coming our way.”