Projects abound in Custer County
Here at the Custer County Chronicle, we try not to be prisoner of the moment. What does that mean? Basically, it means to be so heavily influenced by the current situation or emotions happening right now that you can’t think clearly about the bigger picture or potential future consequences, essentially being captive to the present moment without considering what came before or what might come after. Being a prisoner of the moment implies a lack of perspective or foresight.
Having said that, we are hard pressed to think of a time in the county’s recent history where there was more to be excited about or the volume of projects aimed at improving our communities than are taking place as we speak.
If you need proof, look no further than here in the City of Custer, were there are multiple projects either happening or on the horizon that will make a great place an even better place to live.
At the top of that list is the work that is taking place at West Dam. It has now been nearly 13 years since the outlet structure at the reservoir broke and it drained. Now thanks to Mayor Bob Brown, the city and some volunteers, the train is barreling down the tracks. The work has begun to repair the dam, and it’s not out of the realm of possibility to see the pond refilled within a couple of years. What a welcome sight that would be for the community.
The city is also moving ahead with plans for a community center, and recently listened to a presentation from Tallgrass Landscape Architecture regarding the results of its work to find out exactly what it is the community wants to see there. Putting that report into action is the next step, but things are progressing there as well.
Then, there is the wastewater treatment plant upgrades. We know this project has sparked some controversy (at least where the effluent will be discharged in the future has) along the way, but it is a project that is nearing its conclusion and the system should be ready to be fired up and operational this spring. The finishing touches on the UV and Submerged Activated Growth Reactor system that will clean the wastewater the plant receives should also be completed this spring.
There are other improvements, from Harbach Park to the 4th Street bridge. Kudos to the city for all its hard work.
To the east, the Town of Hermosa is in the process of upgrading its water and wastewater systems. That, too, has been a long process. But it appears to be well underway, and will no doubt benefit that town immensely. At Custer County, a bridge that has long needed replaced on the eastern part of the county is likely going to be replaced in the hopefully not-to-distant future.
Combine that with new businesses and improved businesses, and there is plenty of moving and shaking going on in Custer County. We’re here for all of it, and we appreciate everyone who continues to work hard to make these projects come to pass.