Thanks to the Butler Eagle for the Oct. 12th editorial regarding the plight of the Woodlands Community in Connoquenessing Township.

All involved in pushing for a permanent solution agree the blame and “not my problem” attitude must end. I believe a practical remedy is achievable. However, to accomplish such, several things should happen to make sure of success this time.

First and foremost, it is vital that someone with the in-depth knowledge of the 2012/13 proposal, and the willingness to stick with this project until these folks have public water, take a leadership role to work with state Rep. Brian Ellis, the Connoquenessing Township Supervisors, Rex Energy, American Water, the outgoing and incoming Butler County commissioners, and even U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly.

Second, Connoquenessing Township should immediately adopt the Woodlands’ roadways. If the township would do this, a residents’ water authority would not be necessary as the township would fill that role of water billing, testing and maintenance protocols for certification by the state.

I am sure the politicians listed above would be willing to guide the Connoquenessing Township supervisors toward grants they can apply for to help cover the initial costs for grading and paving the Woodlands’ roads.

Third and equally important is for someone to step forward to be on this committee as an advocate to represent, guide and communicate with the Woodlands residents through the myriad of necessary steps to finalize this project.

Three years ago, these folks were told to create a water authority. To expect short-funded, inexperienced people to form a water authority by themselves and do all of the above was an unnecessary roadblock to a permanent resolution, leaving many residents disillusioned and feeling overwhelmed. These folks need practical solutions that are attainable.

Fourth, someone with an open line of communication with Rex Energy needs to pick up the ball again and find out if Rex is still willing to turn over that water line to American Water or if they have already done so. However, I am told that particular water line is a half-mile away from the back of the Woodlands Community, making it very costly to run lines to the affected homes. It has been noted that a water line exists that goes directly to the fracking waste holding pond located on the Volls Farm, which is along the Woodlands Road and therefore much closer to the side of the Woodlands where most of the well water problems exist. Costs would then be significantly lower to reach the Woodlands community from that area, and would therefore cost less to run the lines to the homes affected. This person could, and should, check to see if this line does exist and if it can be utilized for the Woodlands community. More gas wells have been dug all around this area in the past three years and the possibility does exist that there are closer water lines.

As a good community, we cannot continue to ignore this situation. As human beings, we all have “skin in the game.” Let’s all work together to finally get the job done, with and for our fellow human beings in the Connoquenessing Woodlands.