City ready to move on water issues

McCook is getting closer and closer to solving its problems with water quality and waste disposal. That is the view of McCook Mayor Jerda Garey, who this morning said, "The city is moving forth in a logical and sequential manner on the water and wastewater issues. Yes, questions are still being asked, but they are good questions. They provide the checks and balances which are needed for decision-making."

The main thing, in the mayor's view, is that the City Council is staying with its commitment to resolving the water and wastewater problems with a professional approach and the involvement of local engineering firms.

Going forward, the mayor anticipates the start of construction of the water treatment plant in 2005. In a similar fashion, she expects the wastewater remedy to start being implemented next year.

What that could mean, if all goes as planned, is that McCook's major problems with water quality and waste disposal could be resolved by the end of 2006.

What a relief that would be. The water issue has aggravated the McCook area for more than a decade, as first one approach and then another was brought forward, debated and dropped.

Because of the frequent feuds and the resulting lack of action, the community came under review by state and federal agencies, and still faces the threat of steep fines.

We hope the penalties are withdrawn. State agencies have achieved their aim. McCook's council and administration have agreed upon a course of action and are committed to following through.

The solutions are going to be costly, estimated at a combined total of about $17 million for construction alone. That's a lot of money. But with a population of 7,994; a current property value of $291 million and the likely settlement with the railroad, McCook's cost will be less per person than that being paid by smaller towns for water quality improvements.

That's not much consolation. But the water quality and wastewater disposal issues must be addressed. It's good to see that, at last, the city is on track to get the problems solved and move on to other concerns.