LEON — The Town of Leon’s sewer project continues to move forward.

Fred Hypes of Dunn Engineering and Kathy Elliot of Region II attended Monday’s council meeting to discuss the project’s plans. Katy Mallory and David Hammond of Steptoe and Johnson also were present.

During the meeting, the pre-signing of the documents to finish the closing portion of the sewer project took place. According to Mayor Bruce Riffle, the official closing date is slated for Nov. 20.

Prior to construction starting, there will be a pre-construction meeting in December, Riffle said. He also estimated that construction could begin during the month of December. Fields Excavating of North Carolina was recently awarded the bid for construction, and will be taking care of that portion of the sewer project. According to Riffle, construction is projected to last one year.

Riffle described the sewer project as being an asset to the Town of Leon.

“(The project) means that we are not only going to have a new water system and be more environmentally friendly, but it is going to raise our property values and make Leon an attractive place to live,” he said.

The sewer project is being funded through a small cities block grant, the West Virginia IJDC Grant and the West Virginia State Revolving Fund Grant, with the total cost estimated at $3.7 million. When complete the system will serve more than 150 customers in Leon. Once construction is finished, the sewer rate will be $33 for 3,000 gallons used. This will not take effect until the entire project is both complete and approved.

In other business:

• Riffle reported that AEP will be working on the street lights in town.

The next meeting will be 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14.