Community Forum discusses Pomeroy water issues and possible solution

POMEROY–A quarterly community forum meeting hosted by South East Washington Economic Development Association discussed a solution to the low water supply for the east end of Pomeroy and Pomeroy residents’ view of the town’s current needs on June 21.

Jack Peasley, SEWEDA’s managing director for Garfield County, presented a plan for a booster pump station that would be placed near the Alibi Tavern. The booster pump would provide a redundant water system, energize the current systems by allowing water from one system to be funneled to another, and provide adequate supply for fire suppression in the event of a major fire emergency on the east end of Pomeroy. The pump would alleviate the causes of the building moratorium currently placed on the east end.

Funding for this project, which will cost $1,300,000, has been difficult to procure. Peasley described the channels he has tried and said that there is currently an application for the funding pending with Washington Senator Patty Murray’s office. The City of Pomeroy has also guaranteed some of the funding.

Peasley also led a discussion of the advantages Pomeroy has to offer and as the problems that need to be addressed. Local residents mentioned the advantages of the local hospital, fire department, continual policing, school system, and dispatch center, as well as recreation, historical background, civic organizations and friendly community as Pomeroy’s advantages. Local needs were identified as the resolution of water issues, dissemination of information to new residents, and improvement of downtown appearance, among others.