Amador County – The USDA California Rural Development department recently wrapped up another project in Amador County with a November 2nd ceremonial turning of the tap for the new Plymouth Pipeline project. The Rural Utility Service of USDA is working on another $17.2 million in project proposals in Amador, according Public Information Coordinator Sarah Pursley. Just completed was the Amador Water Agency potable water pipeline to Plymouth, which “is now complete, and was done ahead of schedule and under budget,” Pursley said. There are a few administrative items being completed, and USDA expects water to be available to the residents by the end of the year. She said “not only will the city of Plymouth have a reliable supply of high quality water, but Sutter Creek will enjoy a new footbridge that was built to carry the pipe across Sutter Creek.” The bridge was dedicated September 4th. She said the pipeline benefits other communities along its 7.4 miles connecting Plymouth’s main water tank to the Tanner Water Treatment Plant in Sutter Creek. The increased pipe size provides an increased volume of water and better fire flows in Sutter Creek, Amador City, Drytown and Plymouth. The original estimated project cost was $12 million, and the estimated final cost is $10.8 million. Pursley said USDA Rural Development’s contribution was a $5 million loan and $4.25 million grant. The USDA is currently working with the AWA on a few applications for projects in the county. One is a new gravity supply line that would transport water to the Buckhorn Water Treatment Plant. Its estimated cost is $13.4 million, and Pursley said California Rural Development is $8 million loan and $5 million grant. Another project they are working on with AWA is a new water tank and distribution lines for the Lake Camanche Improvement District. She said the “project is estimated to cost about $1.8 million and USDA Rural Development’s investment will depend on funding available from other partners.” Pursley said through its “Community Facilities,” USDA is “working with the Amador Fire Protection District on an application for a new fire station.” She said the “proposal is to build a new station in Pine Grove on a site the district owns.” The new station would serve the Upcountry communities, she said, and the project is estimated to cost about $2 million. USDA Rural Development’s investment “would depend on the investments of other funding partners.” Pursley said it was likely that “funding for the new projects will come from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.