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Western Virginia Water Authority votes in its newest member

A local utility is springing forward toward a new future.

Thursday morning, the Western Virginia Water Authority convened and voted in its newest member. 

The authority was formed in July 2004 between Roanoke City and County to provide water and wastewater services to customers.

The group says the addition of Franklin County is a win-win.

"As we go towards the lake, it might be in the future, the near future, that we're able to take water from Smith Mountain Lake, and It'd take a long time to drain that dry, wouldn't it?," asked Fuzzy Minnix, Authority Board of Directors Chairman.

"Will this wind up being cheaper for Franklin County residents, when push comes to shove?," asked News7's Susan Bahorich.

"Oh yea, yes, absolutely, cause you start running water line all around Franklin County, especially down 220 and that's an expensive proposition," said Charles Wagner, Franklin County Board of Supervisors. 

A water line connecting Franklin County onto the system is currently being constructed along 220.

Franklin County is picking up that $2 million cost.