BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

“We’ve been looking forward for years to the possibility of a wastewater treatment plant coming to town,” said LaDonna Reyna, a longtime Bruceville-Eddy resident.

After decades of planning, construction crews in the city of Bruceville-Eddy are starting work to fix an ongoing problem.

Marc Monroy, KXXV

LaDonna is one of our neighbors who has seen first hand the negative effects of old septic tanks and the lack of proper sewage in our community.

“One of the problems we’ve had in the past with heavy rains is that our system, especially in this part of town, gets overwhelmed, which puts sewage in our streets,” Reyna said.

The plan is one of the largest in the city’s history – with a price tag of nearly $19 million.

• The entire project, which is expected to take a year, will cost about $19 million.
• $9.4 million is from loans, $8.9 million from a USDA grant and $972,000 is from the city.
• This plan has been decades in the making.

Money to cover these costs comes from grants, loans and the city.

“We really need this, and if we don’t have it, we’re not going to grow, and Waco and Temple are going to keep coming to our city,” said Bruceville-eddy Mayor Linda Owens.

This plan has been on the minds of locals for years.

However, several factors have hindered progress, including elections and pending funding approvals.

“This was built on the backs of past councils and all of our citizens because it’s something they asked for,” said City Administrator Kent Manton.

“I know there’s a lot of shock and disbelief, this is going into the ground,”

Marc Monroy, KXXV

Now that the plan is in action, you can expect more traffic delays and possibly an increase in water rates.

“I’m fine with raising water rates simply because it’s an investment,” Reyna said.

But for LaDonna, it’s all part of a plan for the future.

“There’s a short-term downside because it’s inconvenient — it’s dirt and noise, but in the end, there will be a benefit for years to come,” Reyna said.

Water tax increases in force:

Minimal monthly sewer service fees, including 0 gallons

• meter 3/4″ or 5/8″ – $71.44
• 1″ meter (2.% — $104.41
• 1 1/2″ (5) – $157.57
• 2″ meter (8) – $256.74
• 3″ meter (15) – $394.42

Charge for 1,000 GALLONS

• First 1,000 gal — $7.00
• Second 1,000 gal — $8.00
• Third 1,000 gal — $9.00
• Fourth 1,000 gal — $10.00
• Fifth 1,000 gal — $11.00
• Sixth 1,000 gal — $12.00
• Remaining – $12.00
• Touch fee – $3,000