LEON — The Town of Leon’s sewer project is almost ready to go to bid.

According to Mayor Bruce Riffle, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) cleared the sewer project on Monday, and the project is scheduled to go to bid in 10 days.

“The sewer project is moving along very nicely... We are very pleased,” Riffle said.

The wastewater collection and treatment system is being funded through a small cities block grant, the West Virginia IJDC Grant and the West Virginia State Revolving Grant, with the total cost estimated at $3.7 million. When complete, the treatment system will serve 163 customers in Leon.

Wastewater treatment in town is currently conducted through mechanisms, such as septic systems. Along with providing many residents with a sewer system, the wastewater collection and treatment system also should make the area more environmentally friendly.

When complete, the sewer rate will be increased to a minimum of $33. If customers exceed 3,000 gallons, their bill will be higher.

According to Riffle, construction on the sewer project should start this fall.

“It’s a great relief to see (the sewer project) finally coming together because there has been a lot of people that have worked on the project,” Riffle said. “Dunn Engineering and Kathy Elliot and Mike Webb of Region II have been fantastic to work with — everyone that’s been involved has truly been appreciated to work with.”

Riffle added that construction is estimated to take a little less than a year and that the sewer project should be complete by late 2010.

“(The sewer project) is a great step forward and is going to raise property values. It is going to make the town a much more enticing place to live — that’s the goal,” he said.

In other Leon news, Riffle said that Dawn Livingston was appointed during the July 13 council meeting to fulfill the vacant council seat.

Riffle also said that the town will host a homecoming 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at the town hall. According to Riffle, there will be a cornhole tournament with cash prizes for first and second place winners, various drawings, bluegrass music and food. He encouraged residents to take part in the homecoming, and described it as another step in both taking pride in and improving the town.