[Source: Philip Wright, Verde Independent] -- Plans for a new water-storage tank in Jerome hit a snag in May -- actually, four snags. But those snags appear to have been removed and the town likely will be on track again for funds through a Community Development Block Grant in January. The Town Council voted in mid-April to use grant money to build a new 200,000-water tank on Sunshine Hill instead of an alternate site on Montana Hill. At that time, everything seemed to be on course for work to begin on the $236,000 project. The deadline to have everything turned in to CDBG was May 31. Unfortunately, that date passed without all the paperwork being completed. During May four hurdles appeared that ultimately caused the town to lose out on the grant, this time around. The first problem came when the State Historical Preservation Office questioned the placement of the proposed tank. "They said it would ruin the historic integrity of the town," said Al Palmieri, town manager. "But they had already approved it." Palmieri said Phelps Dodge came to the rescue and produced historic photos showing water tanks sitting almost exactly where the new one would be built. The second problem surfaced when Yavapai County got involved. "The county called," Palmieri said. "They were concerned because the site is in the county and out of the Town of Jerome." Once again, Phelps Dodge stepped in and answered the county's questions about lease arrangements. Problem solved. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]
