Construction has begun on a major water system improvement project for the Cedar Key Water and Sewer District. This improvement project has been funded by USDA Rural Development, and involves the construction of a new 8-inch water line running from the water plant on State Road 24 to the intersection of Whiddon and State Road 24 in Cedar Key. It also includes the connection of the recently installed airport water line to the Hodgson Hill area by underground directional drilling beneath the open water between the two areas. Finally, the project will reimburse the District for the purchase of the reverse osmosis units that the District acquired last summer to address the saltwater intrusion problem. The project budget is $1,969,800, with the funding provided by the USDA Rural Development in the way of a grant in the amount of $789,800, and a low interest loan in the amount of $1,180,000. Completion of the project is expected by October 2013. The new 8-inch PVC line running from the water plant to Whiddon Avenue will replace an aging cast iron line. Unlike the existing cast iron line which is attached to the side of the bridges and is vulnerable to storm and other damage, the new line will be installed by underground directional drilling beneath the open water under the bridges. Not only will this protect the lines from damage, but it will also remove numerous right-angle turns in the existing line and thereby dramatically reduce the amount of energy it takes to pump the water from the water plant to Cedar Key. The new directionally-drilled line between the airport and the Hodgson Hill area will create a closed loop and alleviate dead-end lines at both the airport and Hodgson Hill areas. This connection will result in better water quality and pressure in both areas. Finally, the agreement by USDA Rural Development to fund the reverse osmosis units will help remove a substantial financial burden from the District`s customers. The loan that the District had been required to take out to purchase the units will now be paid back with USDA Rural Development funds and thus relieve the District`s customers of this burden. The improvements to the Water System were planned, designed and permitted with engineering services from Mittauer & Associates, Inc. , with General Construction services being provided by Art Walker Construction, Inc., and the directional drilling work being performed by TB Landmark. The improvements being constructed will provide increased capacity and improved water quality for the residents of Cedar Key for many years to come. | 
