Solutions found for oft-times hotly debated issues

One of the most hotly debated periods in McCook's history is coming to close. After years of disagreement about water sources and school facilities, the community is on the way to solving both problems.

And, at the same time, other major projects are advancing, with completion approaching for in-town highway construction, the new U.S. Bureau of Reclamation building, the McCook Public Power (REA) expansion and the sewer improvement project.

All together, in excess of $25 million is being invested in McCook improvements.

For evidence, take a drive around town. What you will see -- in all directions -- are construction crews at work on various stages of building and remodeling projects.

To the north, just a couple of blocks apart on West Third, are the McCook Elementary and Bureau of Reclamation building projects. The Bureau staff has already made it into the new building, and crews are now preparing to tear down the old Bureau building to clear the way for a parking lot. The major school expansion -- at the former North Ward site -- is also rapidly advancing. Most of the work should be done by the start of school, with the remainder finished by November.

On the west, construction is completed on the exterior of the McCook REA building, with workmen now doing finish work on the inside.

The city's major projects are to the south. Major, multi-million dollar improvements include the water treatment plant, the wastewater treatment plant, the deep well disposal injection wells and well development on the former Hancock land.

In addition, the city is upgrading the water towers in northeast and northwest McCook.

To the east, the focus is street and highway improvement projects. Paving is advancing rapidly on the East 11th Street project. Layers of concrete are now in place on East 11th from B Street to H Street, and work is progressing on paving north of H on 11th.

A big step forward was taken on the U.S. Highway 6-34 east project Friday, when crews laid the first stretch on concrete from Airport Road to the Cedar Motel. Slightly behind schedule, the pavers will have to pick up the pace to meet the fall completion deadline.

Most of the work on all the current projects should be done by or before 2006, clearing the way for a new era for the community. No doubt, new challenges will emerge. But, for this moment in time, it's reassuring to know the city is resolving long-standing issues and getting ready to move forward.