Granite Shoals approves water system improvements, pursues state funding
Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
Granite Shoals is pursuing major water system upgrades and seeking state grants and low-interest loans to modernize the city’s water and wastewater infrastructure.
The city council approved two major water main replacement projects at its Feb. 24 meeting. On Valley View Lane, about 4,000 linear feet of 2-inch line will be upgraded to 6 inches between Kingsoak Drive and Hill Way Drive, with eight new fire hydrants installed. On Kingdom Drive and Kingshores Drive, roughly 3,800 linear feet of line will be replaced and five hydrants added.
“Our water system includes several older 2-inch lines that were installed decades ago and are now undersized for today’s demand. By upgrading these areas to 6-inch lines and adding new fire hydrants, we are significantly improving reliability, water flow, and fire protection for residents,” Josh Hisey, Utility Director, told DailyTrib.
Construction will take place in the coming weeks, and residents will be notified of any temporary service interruptions.
Pursuit of state funding
To support broader system improvements, the council approved submitting an official project information form to the Texas Water Development Board, with the hope of acquiring grants or low-interest loans from the state agency. The submission does not obligate the city financially or authorize construction, and any future projects would still have to be approved by the council.
The council awarded engineering services to MRB Group, contingent upon funding from the grants. The specific nature of the upgrades was not decided upon, but referred to as “water and wastewater utility improvements.”
“Submitting the project information form to the Texas Water Development Board is an important planning step for our water and wastewater systems. It allows us to be considered for considerable funding opportunities that can help us address aging infrastructure and plan for long-term system improvements,” Sarah Novo, city manager, told DailyTrib.