Though the Jefferson Water Project did not receive the 300 signatures needed in its initial signup period the outlook for moving forward is still good.

The first two sign-up periods, which were held in mid-January, netted almost 200 signatures. The initial signups took place Tuesday, Jan. 17 at the Jefferson Community Center from 8 a.m. until noon and Thursday, Jan. 19 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Rangeline Baptist Church. During that time, people flooded both locations, but came up just short.

Now, a third signup is scheduled for Feb. 3 from 8 a.m. until noon at the Rangeline Baptist Church and 1:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Jefferson Community Club.

Commissioner Max Joiner said after Friday, they would review the signups from and weigh their options.

“There is still a little work to be done on this, but we think it is looking pretty good,” Joiner said. “We will have the additional sign-up and see where we are from there.”

One option the commission does not plan to include is letting the plan fail. Joiner said they are determined to work with the people of Jefferson to bring fresh water.

“We are not going to let this project go by the wayside,” Joiner said. “We are going to do whatever we can to make this work. We have the support of the community, and with that, anything is possible.”

The commission and the people of Jefferson have worked hard to get through the initial stages. Joiner said he felt, with the continued cooperation of the people impacted by the project, they could move forward.

“Right now, we think we have a good game plan,” Joiner said. “We are glad to see that we have the support of the people in the area, because that is what we need for this project to be successful.”

Friday’s signup is important, but the project will not live or die by its results. If need be, the commission said they will go door to door to get the signatures they need. However, Friday’s signups can be very helpful because it would be much better to reach their goal of 300 signees sooner than later.

At both signups Friday, representatives will be available to help the process go smoothly. Signees are asked to have their $100 fee, which is a combination of $50 for their meter and $50 to signup, available.

For further information, please call (334) 295-4191.