Patton Village residents get new wastewater treatment system

PATTON VILLAGE, TX (KTRK) -- Patton Village resident, Janette Quantz is among those keeping her fingers crossed for a new wastewater treatment project.

"We're all in high hopes that it will go along smoothly," said Quantz.

Patton Village Mayor, Leah Tarrant led the ground-breaking Wednesday for a new wastewater treatment project, being built behind City Hall.

"It's a huge day, we're so excited," said Tarrant, emphasizing that this project is like a dream coming true after many delays. "The aging septic tanks from the 50's and 60's will be abandoned, and everyone will be on city sewer."

The project will be paid for by a $10.1 million USDA grant.

"This ensures that the community as a whole is kept safe," said Monica Pierre of the USDA Office of Rural Development.

Tarrant says the city struggled to overcome financial issues stemming from a previous mayor's criminal mismanagement.

"The USDA requires current financial statements and we couldn't get those and couldn't get those," explained Tarrant.

However, Tarrant says the city is now in a position not only to help residents, but attract new businesses like Busy Barn Child Care. Owner Ashley Small says the new treatment plant helped her make the decision to buy land in Patton Village.

"It will save a lot of money, not having to install commercial septic," says Small.

Janette Quantz also likes the sound of that.

"When the time comes for me to sell my property, it will help," Quantz said.

It will take about one year to build the new project.