County and city finish sewer system connection project

July 19, 2006|by TARA REILLY

HAGERSTOWN

Washington County, the City of Hagerstown and state officials on Tuesday celebrated the completion of a project that connects the city's and county's sewer systems.

Gabes Services Inc. of Frederick, Md., did the work on the $1.73 million Newgate Industrial Park Interceptor Sewer project.

The interceptor runs from Hopewell Road near Tractor Supply Co. Distribution Center to a pump station on Western Maryland Parkway across from the Washington County Sheriff's Department.

The project frees up some sewer capacity in the city by allowing wastewater to flow from the city's wastewater system to the county's Conococheague Wastewater Treatment Plant near Williamsport.

County officials have said the interceptor would bring in more revenue for the city and the county through increased connection fees.

Commissioners President Gregory I. Snook said last year the project will allow for more growth in the city, while it increases flow to the county's plant.

"We'll be able to extend northward as development occurs," Snook said Tuesday. "It's a big project."

In August 2003, the city and county signed a Flow Transfer Agreement which authorized the transfer of wastewater flow from the city to the county. The signing was held up by a dispute between the city and the county over language regarding annexation in the agreement.

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