The 1970s:
Highlights of issues and projects undertaken by Conway Corporation during the 1970s.
1970
JUNE: Negotiations began with AP&L to secure a change in the city's contractual agreement to include simultaneous demand billing.
AUGUST: The algae problem with the city's raw water source had been chemically treated and a taste and odor problem was now under control.
NOVEMBER: A study was begun on the feasibility of locating an alternative water supply reservoir in the lower reaches of Cypress Creek in Conway County.
1971
MAY: Construction was underway on a building to house activated carbon and lime feeders at the Gleason water plant.
DECEMBER: A formal request was made to the city council that the CATV franchise be reserved for the people of Conway.
1972
MARCH: A franchise agreement between the city of Conway and the Conway Corporation was finalized granting the Conway Corporation the exclusive right to operate a CATV system in Conway.
MAY: Legislation was underway that would allow the Corps of Engineers to legally construct a new water supply reservoir for Conway.
DECEMBER: The wastewater department began efforts to secure a discretionary eutrophication study grant from the environmental protection agency to assist in the planning for construction of a sewer disposal plant.
1973
AUGUST: The Corps of Engineers Omnibus Bill was presented to the Public Works Committee of the House of Representatives. The bill included authorization for the Corps to construct an alternative raw water supply for the city.
1974
JANUARY: An application was before the Environmental Protection Agency to construct a new sewer plant and outfall facility to serve the eastern environs of Conway.
MARCH: Public Law 93-251, dated March 7, was signed into law, authorizing the Corps of Engineers to provide a water supply impoundment for the city of Conway.
JULY: A 60-day study was begun to consider future power-purchase options of the electric department.
1975
JUNE: Step Two of the EPA sewer project grant had been filed, and the grant application was being reviewed by the state archaeologist.
JULY: The impact of the new wholesale rates was being felt, and the possibility of a new set of retail rates to cope with the nation's now spiraling inflation was being considered.
1976
FEBRUARY: The preliminary engineering report for the water supply relocation by the Corps of Engineers was complete.
APRIL: Steps were begun for the issuance of sewer revenue bonds to finance the city's portion of the cost for the new wastewater disposal plant and outfall system.
NOVEMBER: Corps of Engineers held a public hearing on the city's proposed water supply reservoir.
1977
JULY: Corps of Engineers advised that the Dallas division office had requested additional information in the water quality at the proposed location site. A year-long study was begun.
1978
JANUARY: An engineering consulting firm recommended that the city meet its future power needs by purchasing an ownership percentage in a generating plant. The 1976 sewer revenue bonds were defeased and refunded saving the city $242,137.42 in interest.
MARCH: The water treatment plant increased its filtering capacity from 5 million gallons per day to 7.5 million gallons daily.
NOVEMBER: Preliminary plans for the Cypress Creek Reservoir were now under consideration. The necessary legislation allowing city-owned utilities to purchase an interest in generating plant with monies from revenue bonds was in draft form.
DECEMBER: A study was being conducted to identify the benefits and liabilities of a CATV system to be owned by the city and operated by the Conway Corporation.
1979
FEBRUARY: A public hearing was held on the construction of the city's water supply reservoir in Conway County.
APRIL: The city council recommended that action should be taken to move ahead with the design and construction of a CATV system for the city.
JUNE: The White Bluff Agreement and the Power Coordination and Transmission Agreement were finalized with the first payment on the White Bluff plant being made.
SEPTEMBER: The Corps of Engineers offered an acceptable contract to relocate the city's raw water supply, and a resolution was adopted directing the signing of the contract.
OCTOBER: Bids were being accepted on various projects for the reservoir construction.
NOVEMBER: Demolition was near completion on the Stone Dam Wastewater Treatment Plant.