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The Cumberland City Council heard an update on a project to upgrade the city’s water system during a meeting Tuesday. Paul Miller, of Leo Miller and Associates, updated the council on the progress of the mitigation project.

“When we started this process three years ago you gave the mayor (Carl Hatfield) the right to sign any and all documents,” said Miller. “Now we are to where the funding has been secured, the loan with the Bank of Harlan’s been set up and the money’s ready to be used.”

“Our priority should be the lift stations,” said Hatfield.

Miller informed Hatfield and the council work has been under way on the lift stations for the past three months.

“Right now we’ve had to purchase on outside on top of the ground pump and we’re renting two more while the other pumps that are underground are not functioning,” said Hatfield.

Miller verified that he was aware of the situation with the pumps.

Hatfield asked if it would be possible to change the scope of work and put the lift stations as first priority.

“We’re moving as fast as we can,” said Miller. “We’re actually designing the lift stations right now. I hope to have those out to bid within the next three months. There is going to be some property that we might have to obtain.”

Hatfield asked if the location of the lift stations would be changed.

“No, the lift stations are going back where they are except lift station three, we may move it,” said Miller.

Miller said he expects to have the first project out for bid within 30 days.

Miller ran down a history of the project for the newer council members who were not on the panel when the project was first conceived.

“The project started in 2010 when we applied for the grant,” said Miller. “It was awarded back in May of 2012. Since then we’ve had to secure the funding. With FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), you’ve got to spend it and they reimburse you. FEMA is 90 percent of the project.”

Miller informed the council he needed Hatfield’s signature on some documents for the project.

A motion was made and passed authorizing Hatfield to approve invoices in the amount of $84,364.50.

Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-573-4510, ext 113, jasher@civitasmedia.com