By John Howell

Plans to build a new water well to serve Batesville water customers east of Interstate 55 gained momentum during Tuesday’s meeting with the possibility that an USDA grant might fund a portion of the estimated $600,000-plus cost.

“We talked to the SRF (State Revolving Fund) there is some money available on the SRF, just like we’ve done on the water meters,” City engineer Blake Mendrop told city officials Monday.

(Batesville has recently completed a project financed through a $1 million SRF loan to install automated water meters throughout the city system. Terms of the loan place the interest rate under two percent and allow possible forgiveness of $250,000 in principle repayment.)

“Also, I did talk with Sonny (Panola Partnership CEO Sonny Simmons) and there is some other funding we’ll be trying to get through the USDA,” Mendrop said.

About 20 minutes later, Simmons walked in and was recognized by Mayor Jerry Autrey.

“I’ve just got off the phone just this minute with Rural Development, and they’ve identified some monies that may be available for the water well,” Simmons said. 

The Partnership CEO asked for letters citing the need from the city, Tri-Lakes and the affected industrial water users.

“The funding they’ve identified has just become available,” Simmons continued. “They feel like it would qualify for probably a minimum of a 45 percent grant, based on the total cost.”

A well failure in late May interrupted the water supply to Tri-Lakes Medical Center, GE Aviation, Parker-Hannifin, Walmart, Comfort Suites Hotel and to other businesses and residences for five hours. Other wells on the city’s looped system, all west of I-55, could not replace the water that was withdrawn from the water tank located near Parker-Hannifin. Critical, water- cooled industrial components were threatened with overheating and hospital operations were briefly impacted. 

At the city’s June 3 meeting Alderman Bill Dugger asked the mayor and fellow aldermen to give priority to construction of a new well.

Mendrop said Tuesday that he would proceed with necessary permit applications, engineering, and location of possible well sites.