The Pocahontas County Public Service District (PSD) continued progress towards a new sewage plant for the Snowshoe area and a major upgrade to the Durbin-Frank-Bartow water system.

In January, the PSD greatly expanded its operations when it accepted ownership of Snowshoe's sewage treatment plants. Snowshoe Water and Sewer continued operating the plants for the PSD until June.

In February, after public meetings and review of engineering plans, the PSD confirmed Site 7, on Snowshoe Drive, as its choice for a new sewage treatment plant.ﾠ Many Snowshoe residents continued to oppose construction of the plant, arguing their rates would increase unfairly to build a plant that would also serve customers in the valley.

The county commission unsuccessfully opposed funding for the project, questioning the need for a new plant. In June, the Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council (IJDC) approved funding for the $25 million project.

The IJDC also approved a request for $592,000 to upgrade to the Durbin-Frank-Bartow water system, which suffers from major leaks. If the Public Service Commission approves the project, the PSD hopes to start construction in summer 2010.

Board president Bill Rexrode's term expired in June and the county commission appointed retired mine superintendent Amon Tracey to fill the vacancy in July.ﾠ At its July meeting, the PSD board elected Mark Smith president.

In November, board member Scott Millican resigned, citing work responsibilities.ﾠ The county commission appointed local businessman Tom Shipley, of Slaty Fork, to fill the vacancy in December.