By Mary Sirianni

Special to The Ridgway Record

JOHNSONBURG – Construction for a new water treatment plant officially began July 31, Dan Guss told the Johnsonburg Municipal Authority at last night’s meeting.
Guss, project manager for Uni-Tec Engineers, reported that the general contracting bid went to G.M. McGrossin of Bellefonte. Elco Electric of Ridgway won the electrical bid.
This project is phase two of a wastewater treatment plant renovation. The first phase fixed a damaged storm drain on Spring Street.
The contractors held a pre-construction meeting on Aug. 14. Representatives from G.M. McGrossin said that they had already placed 40 equipment orders so that the work could begin more quickly. They also reported that they would create a work schedule soon. 
Guss said the first work stage will be to place proper signs the work site, then build a road on the north side of the plant site. They will begin clearing trees after that. 
The board also elected Hud Caldwell as chairman. He replaces long-time board chair Dale Delong, who died last month. Doug Haupright was voted assistant secretary/treasurer, Caldwell’s former post.
The board also held an executive session to discuss personnel issues. No action was taken.