After a burst of early enthusiasm, the fundraising effort for the Wagram utility study has slowed to a trickle.

Now an Aug. 25 deadline looms.

The Summit Water Task Force was advised last Tuesday that $1,500 has been raised toward the $2,500 goal. The money is needed to cover Moore County's share of the cost for a feasibility study of water and sewer facilities located near Wagram in Scotland County.

"Obviously we're all -committed to this, or we wouldn't be here," said state Rep. Jamie Boles during the task force meeting.

Patrick Coughlin, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, said he understands "some phone calls" are being made to collect the rest of the money. Checks and pledges poured in several weeks ago when a concerned group gathered at the Chamber office to discuss the fundraising initiative. In recent weeks such contributions have slowed down.

The Chamber has established a special account for those contributions and is acting as facilitator for the effort.

DROUGHT - The public-comment period is under way on another water-related subject - response to a water shortage.

Under state law, all water system owners must prepare a water shortage response plan to be implemented when there is threat of drought or water shortage.

A draft of the county's plan was presented at the Monday meeting of the Moore County Board of Commissioners.

Copies of the draft plan are available for review at the public works office on U.S. 15-501 in the Hillcrest community in Carthage. Copies are also available for public scrutiny at Pinehurst Village Hall and Vass Town Hall.

Comments must be received in writing no later than Sept. 10 and should be addressed to the Moore County Department of Public Works, P.O. Box 1927, Carthage, NC 28327, attention Megan Garner, grants administrator.

Information is also -available by visitng www.moorecountync.gov, e-mailing mgarner@moore countync. gov or by calling (910) 947-6315.

Public Works Director Dennis Brobst said the county has plenty of water at this time and the plan has been developed merely to comply with the new state law.

FUND - Several counties, municipalities and other entities have agreed to commission a study of the Wagram utilities' potential for expansion to meet water needs in the area around the Lumber River Basin.

Part of Moore County lies in the Lumber River Basin.

The Lumber River Council of Governments(LRCOG) is coordinating the initiative, and interested parties are trying to raise enough money for a local match to draw down a $39,000 Rural Center grant to help pay the estimated $78,000 for the study.

Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Aberdeen, Pinebluff, Maxton, Robeson and Scotland counties have agreed to pay their allotted share of the cost, but Moore County declined to pay the $2,500 because of an initial understanding that the LRCOG would secure -funding to cover the entire cost of the study.

Also contributing to the fund are the LRCOG and Campbell Soup Co., which has a plant in Robeson County.

HACKNEY - A Moore County group is planning a fundraiser for state House Speaker Joe Hackney, but details will be announced later, once the extent of interest is determined.

The tentative date is Sept. 30.

Ellen Stewart, who is spearheading the event, calls it a work in progress and wants interested people to call her at (910) 692-5921.

Hackney, an Orange County Democrat, -represents House District 54, which includes Chatham County, part of Orange County and one and a half precincts in Moore County.

Contact Florence Gilkeson at florence@thepilot.com.