Brady Cody
Milltown – It might not appear as such on the surface, but county officials are well aware of the drainage issues at the Snowbird Sanitation Center.
Located next door to the Graham County Recycling Center, the convenience site has fell under scrutiny in recent months for water filling numerous potholes in the lot. Residents and visitors alike who simply want to drop off their waste have faced the added task of maneuvering around massive puddles – not an easy feat for someone who is elderly or disabled.
Commission clerk Kim Crisp told The Graham Star on Tuesday that a quote to repave the parking lot was provided by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, which carried a price tag of $33,000. The board has openly discussed the matter in recent meetings, with one forum concluding with the idea of moving the dumpsters below ground level and have users dispose of their refuse by tossing it off a sloped area in the back.
Rainfall throughout most of last week painted the picture clearly. Even after precipitation had all but ceased Friday, it was almost impossible for a vehicle to enter and exit the site without splashing through at least one puddle of water.
There is not a timetable for when the problem will be corrected. New county manager Brady Cody said Tuesday that it is high up on the commissioners' priority list for repairs, especially with budget discussions ongoing.
Cody stated that commissioners want to make sure the job is done right.
"In the past, there has been gravel put in those potholes – but that's really just a Band-Aid," Cody said. "It's a legitimate concern and one that needs to be addressed."