City alerts residents of when construction is scheduled by street 

SALUDA—The City of Saluda has announced a schedule of when construction will begin for major water and sewer improvements.  

Some construction was scheduled to begin last week, with other streets not scheduled until June-September.  

Chestnut Street construction is scheduled between May 6 and June 2; the U.S. 176 west entrance to the city is scheduled for June 3-9; Poplar Street is scheduled June 10-July 7; Florida Avenue is scheduled July 8-Aug. 11; Hart Street is scheduled Aug. 12-Sept. 22 and Ozone Drive is scheduled Sept. 23-Oct. 6.  

City officials announced the water and sewer infrastructure construction schedule last week and said more information will be provided when it is available. Street closure dates and the levels of impact will also be provided when available, city officials said.  

Saluda the last couple of years getting approval for a United States Department of Agriculture loan for several projects to upgrade its aged water and sewer system. The city was approved for $1.9 million loan last year and has increased water and sewer rates in order to pay back the loan to complete a list of needed infrastructure projects. Last year, the construction bids came in too high and the city had to borrow more money and delete a project from the scope. Saluda met Monday night and were scheduled to hold a public hearing on its 2019-2020 budget and approve it. The new budget year will begin July 1. The city has budgeted payments for the loan, which is now approved at $2.081 million.  

Last year, the city opened construction bids, which ranged from $1.9 million to $3.1 million, which were all over budget. The city originally anticipated the construction bid would be around $1.5 million.  

Saluda recently gained USDA approval to increase the loan amount. The projects began at the end of April and will continue through much of this year.