While all major leaks in the City of Loyalton's "ancient" water infrastructure are currently under containment, the band-aids in place are an inadequate substitute for rebuilding the patchwork of water delivery systems built over the course of the past centry.

To address the poor state of the pipes carrying water to residents and businesses in Sierra County's largest town, an Ad-hoc committee, comprised of two City Council members and concerned citizens, has been formed to address the situation and anyone who has experience with grant writing or knowledge about plumbing/pipe installation are encouraged to committee.

Possible solutions to the problem include acquiring a USDA grant for rural water infrastructure, with the possibility of matching funds being required; securing a long-term, low interest loan from the USDA, wherein water rate increases would result; or, the levying of a special property tax assessment.

No matter what solution to the infrastructure issue is found, an increase to current water and sewer charges is expected. Disruptions to water service and traffic delays due to construction work are forecast, as well, for the citizens of Loyalton.

The next meeting of the Ad-hoc committee willl be held at the city's Town Hall tonight, December 1, starting at 5:30 p.m As of now, the committe is scheduled to reconvene at this location on the first Thursday of each month at this time.