Saline County Commissioners and several other area residents- including Nelson Mayor Gale Cornine and Marshall-Saline Development Corporation Executive Director Sandy Allison- were on hand to take part in a groundbreaking ceremony for the first of many phases of the water/sewer project at Marshall Junction on Wednesday, January 15.
Rich Rhodes, of Rhodes Engineering, gave an overall synopsis of the water-tower project. The water tower will be erected just off the South Outer Road a mile or two east of Marshall Junction.

Rhodes added the tank also will serve Saline County Public Water Supply District No. 3. The construction project is estimated to cost $698,735.
Northern District Commissioner Stephanie Gooden expressed gratitude to the citizens of Saline County who approved a half-cent economic-development sales tax to fund the Marshall Junction Project and to help other communities within the county, as well.

Southern District Commissioner Monte Fenner, Presiding Commissioner Kile Gutrey Jr. and Gooden pointed out this is one of many phases of the overall project. Fenner said the county has four easements still to get. “After we get the easements, we advertise for three weeks; we accept a bid; and then we start on the water line.”
The hope is for that part of the project to begin this spring.

Saline County Commissioners (with shovels) take part in a groundbreaking ceremony for the water-tower project at Marshall Junction. (Photo by Robert King)