Several projects for the Bradford City Water Authority are nearing completion, including lead abatement, Marilla Brook crossing, water main placement along U.S. Route 219 and a tank rehabilitation on Big Shanty Road.

At Wednesday’s meeting, updates were given on those projects. For the lead abatement project, Mortimer’s Excavating has begun inspecting and replacing as necessary individual service lines along South Avenue, explained Steve Disney, executive director of the Water Authority. Asphalt restoration is underway on Jackson Avenue, and then will move on to School Street. The project is expected to be completed by the end of next month.

Chivers Construction has completed its contract in the lead abatement project. The authority is awaiting the two-year maintenance bond and consent of surety to be submitted.

For Marilla Brook crossing, a punch list of items has been formulated and circulated to the contractor to be completed before the project can be closed out. This includes four shut-offs to meter pits on each side of the crossing, which were not installed.

For the Route 219 8-inch main replacement, Mortimer’s has completed construction. Remaining items are final paving and minor dirt restoration work, Disney explained.

For the Big Shanty tank, the project has been completed and the damaged floor panels have been replaced. The part of the foundation between the concrete and exterior tank was grouted and resealed, along with all interior and exterior seams. Water testing came back negative and the tank was placed back in service.

Also at the meeting, Disney said a capital improvement proposal along with cost estimates is being prepared by Bankson Engineers for improvements to the water treatment plant.

The authority also heard from Ken Kane, of Generations Forestry, about the timber report and inventory status. Active sales on the watershed include an ash salvage and maple supplement. A chipping operation to remove zero-value vegetation to allow for regeneration is active on the Heffner Watershed. Kane also reported that a group of foresters from Vermont will visit the Bradford Watershed for a tour of the regeneration areas.

It was also noted that the 2024 “We Love Marilla” calendars are for sale at the Water Authority office, Chamber of Commerce and United Way for $15 each, and all proceeds go to the United Way.