The Haralson County Water Authority is one step closer to extending a 16,000-foot water line to benefit residents after closing on a 1-acre property on the state line, which will hold a pump station.

In a meeting Tuesday, HCWA Manager Charlie Walker said the acquisition will support their ultimate goal of supplying more water to local residents.

The update comes before Walker’s announcement about another milestone, this time due to the retirement of long-time Treatment Plant Supervisor Doyle Bentley, who will close out his 17-year service at the end of this month. Walker commended his diligent efforts, in which he says Bentley “saw the county through droughts, floods and numerous challenges in water treatment.”

“The responsibility of quality water has been on his shoulders,” Walker said. “He’s done a fantastic job, and we’re going to miss him.”

In other business, Walker reported strides in building the county’s water supply as preparation for future economic growth.

“We delivered an agreement that would allow us to purchase water from Anniston, which would be transported through Cleburne County and then delivered to the state line for us to pick up,” he explained. “It will serve as an additional water supply for future economic growth.”

Members later discussed lengthy improvements to the water plant. Walker said upgrades are overdue for the plant, which has been operating with minor fix-ups along the way for almost 40 years.

“We’ve made small fixes, but we need to do major improvements to restore the plant,” he said. “We need to get equipment parts for the valve and other things to help bring the plant up to standards.”

He expects to finance the project through Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax funds. He intends to start upgrading the plant by spring.

The next Haralson County Water Authority meeting will be held Tuesday, Jan.12, at the Water Authority office in Buchanan.