“We’re pushing ahead”

In spite of changes at midstream, Pioneer Rural Water district is pushing ahead with plans to build its first treatment plant, using a substitute Lake Hartwell location for its raw water intake line. According to its consultants, the district is pursuing a location inside the Golden Corner Commerce Park for its plant and a Durham Road, Lake Hartwell location for the intake. Pioneer directors were told yesterday that permit approvals from DHEC and the Army Corps of Engineers will be key the next couple of months to determine when papers are taken out to secure a loan to pay for the project. Donald Phillips of Design South said, at this point, the project is looking to USDA’s Rural Development Agency for the loan. Phillips said the government agency is dangling a 40-year loan at a rate of 2.75% provided the application is made by March.