Georgetown, Del., June 25, 2009: Residents and property owners of the Woodlands of Millsboro subdivision have given their OK to a public sewer system for their community.

In a referendum held Thursday, June 25, 2009, voters favored creation of a County owned and operated sewer system that will provide public wastewater service to the neighborhood west of Millsboro.

Acting on petitions received from property owners, the Sussex County Engineering Department proposed the creation of the Woodlands of Millsboro Sanitary Sewer District. Currently, properties are served by a private community wastewater system, which is failing and could pose a health risk to the community.

Results of the vote were 40 in favor of the district, with one voting against. The district’s creation awaits final approval of the Sussex County Council.

The County Engineering Department will begin designing the estimated $1.29 million system to serve the new district and its approximately 57 properties, said John J. Ashman, director of Utility Planning. Construction should begin in early 2010, and finish by next summer.

A copy of the proposed sewer district map, as well as a newsletter explaining estimated rates, can be obtained by viewing the “Proposed Projects and Schedules” at sussexcountyde.gov/proposed-projects-schedules, or by calling (302) 855-1299.

###