Construction of Heath’s north water tower moves forward

 City of Heath and The Fulton School reach agreement

The RCH Water Supply Corporation purchased the site for the City ofHeath’s north elevated water tower 40 years ago. Today, construction of the needed addition to the city’s infrastructure will move forward following an agreement between The Fulton School and the City of Heath.

“The Fulton School is a valuable asset to our community, and we are very pleased to have reached an agreement with the school’s leadership that allows the City to proceed with this important project,” said Heath Mayor John Ratcliffe.

“I think everyone understood our concerns about this project, which were primarily due to the fact that children are present on our campus daily throughout the school year,” said Matt Burgy, headmaster of The Fulton School. “But we are comfortable with the safety plans in place and happy that the City and our school were able to work together to resolve our differences amicably.”

“Everyone involved with the project is committed to the safety of the worksite, the school area, and the surrounding neighborhoods” said Randel Dobbs, City Engineer and Director of Public Works.  “The contractor, Chicago Bridg eand Iron Company, will have a safety person on-site during the construction.  The city staff is looking forward to working with the Fulton School staff to provide educational opportunities for the children.  There is a lot of math, science, and engineering involved with the construction of the water tower.  The construction should provide numerous opportunities for explaining and demonstrating those principals.”

The second water tower is necessary to meet the daily household demands made upon the water supply by a growing population. Increasing the City’s water storage capacity makes the water system more efficient and provides critical resources when Heath DPS officers are fighting fires to save lives and properties. The estimated completion date is in late 2012.

Submitted by Kim Dobbs, Assistant City Manager, City of Heath.

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