Jindal supports Sparta project
A wastewater treatment project that could save the Sparta aquifer 10 million gallons of water a day will receive funding for its first phase, Gov. Bobby Jindal announced Thursday.
The West Monroe project, which converts wastewater into potable water for industry use, could cut overuse of the aquifer in half within three years.
Jindal committed $7.6 million for the project on Thursday, which is enough to fund the engineering and initial construction at the West Monroe wastewater treatment plant.
“To hear him say how important he thinks it is and that he’s going to fund it through to completion, it was a real thrill,” said West Monroe Mayor Dave Norris, who has championed the project since day one.
The funding is ranked Priority 1, and Norris estimated that the money will arrive by September or October. »
Sparta leaders tour wastewater
WEST MONROE — Members of the Sparta Groundwater Commission toured the Graphic Packaging wastewater recycling project Thursday prior to their regular monthly meeting.
Engineer John Stamberg, who has contracted with the City of West Monroe and worked on the Graphic Packaging project for the past two years, led the tour and presented information at the meeting.
The project could cut overuse of the Sparta aquifer in half by eliminating Graphic Packaging’s use of aquifer water. »
Easing Sparta’s strain
A $20 million project could save the Sparta aquifer 10 million gallons of water per day by turning wastewater into potable water for industry use.
The process could cut overuse of the aquifer in half within three years and has been checked and double-checked. All that’s needed now is the money.
West Monroe Mayor Dave Norris last week submitted a $15.6 million capital outlay request for the project to be considered during the regular session of the Louisiana legislature that begins Monday. He’s also filed a $6 million earmark request with U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander’s office. »
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