The passage of HB 4393 is expected to improve the quality of life for residents in the Midway area by reducing reliance on septic systems that may not meet environmental standards. The funding allocated for this project signifies a proactive approach in addressing water quality issues and enhancing public health infrastructure. By transitioning to a sewer system, the community may see a reduction in instances of septic system failures and related contamination issues, contributing to overall environmental benefits.
Summary
House Bill 4393, titled 'Midway Septic to Sewer', focuses on the conversion of septic systems to a centralized sewer system in the Midway area. The bill appropriates a nonrecurring sum of $3,500,000 from the General Revenue Fund for the fiscal year 2022-2023, intended to be utilized by the Department of Environmental Protection to implement this project. The necessity for such a transition arises from public health concerns associated with existing septic systems, which can pose risks to the environment and health of local residents.
Contention
While the bill has garnered support, discussions in legislative circles may revolve around funding allocation and prioritization of environmental projects. Critics may question whether the appropriated funds are sufficient to fully cover the costs associated with such a significant infrastructure change. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the project's impact on property owners, such as potential increases in connection fees or taxes that could arise from the new system's implementation.