Lake Hartwell Water Plant contractor selected

A Greenville contractor has been chosen to build Pioneer Rural Water District’s first treatment plant.  On the recommendation of Pioneer’s engineering consultants, the board of directors approved the Harper Corporation’s low bid of $17,050,000 to construct the 2.5 MGD plant at the Golden Corner Commerce Park, with an intake at nearby Lake Hartwell.  Chuck Joye of the company Design South said he hopes to see dirt moved no later than January and a drinking water supply produced for Pioneer’s two-county service areas during 2018.  The Harper Corporation offered the lowest of eight bids received late last month, though the $17 million bid was $3 million higher than expectations.  According to Terry Pruitt, Pioneer general manager, a series of previously agreed on rate changes are expected to make up for the difference.  Pioneer is relying on a large government loan to finance the project.  In a related matter yesterday, its officials signed the papers to accept a $500 thousand Appalachian Regional Commission grant approved for the project.