Richmond County’s requests submitted to Congressman Larry Kissell (D-NC8) total $10,792,490.

The county submitted three major projects for the 2010 Non-Defense Appropriation.

Projects are:

Water treatment plant expansion — $8,827,490

Airport runway overlay project — $1,300,000

Airport runway safety area project — $665,000.

There are plans already drawn for all three projects which are ready to be implemented when funded.

“We have carefully examined our needs in Richmond County and from the county’s perspective, these projects currently represent to top priorities in the county,” said Kenneth Robinette, chairman, Richmond County Board of Commissioners.

The Richmond County Water Treatment Plant can treat 6.75 million gallons a day of drinkable water.

In high demand periods, the plant treats six million gallons a day. The county wants to expand treatment to 10.75 million gallons a day to meet future demand.

“This will be a benefit to the citizens of Richmond County and would allow us to expand our distribution system to areas that are currently using private wells,” Robinette said.

Engineering plans for the project are completed.

At the Richmond County Airport, the runway is due for a complete asphalt overlay.

The existing asphalt is approximately 15 years old and is beginning to crack in places.

“The airport facility is the first thing prospective industrial clients see when flying into the county,” Robinette said. “It is also a safety concern.”

And, local existing industries continue to fly personnel in and out of the airport. Plans are completed.

A second project at the airport involves the runway safety area which needs to be extended to meet Federal Aviation Administration minimum requirements.

“This is a safety concern,” Robinette said. Plans are ready for this project also.

Contact reporter Tom MacCallum at 997-3111, ext. 15; e-mail tmaccallum@yourdailyjournal.com.