Several hundred residents of southern Lewis County petitioned the county commission this week for water and sewage service. The request was two-fold: Last year's drought dried up a number of wells in that area and the infrastructure is needed, they say, for economic development. Commissioners were understanding and promised to get the job done, but it will possibly take a decade to finish the project.

"We intend to get it done," said Commission President Bob Conley. He said that as the money becomes available, the county hopes to extend lines into the southern part of the county in another eight to 10 years.

Much has already been done -- a new water treatment plant that went on line last year has the capacity to supply the entire county.

There are also two major projects in the works -- the city of Weston has OK'd an $11 million sewer upgrade along U.S. Route 33 and a new sewage treatment plant is being considered.

We feel, however, that more needs to be done and sooner than planned. The petitioners bring up a good point: The expansion of Stonewall Jackson Lake Park into a resort is bound to spur commercial and residential development. Water and sewage service will be required.

It is our hope that the state and/or our congressional delegation can help out. Millions of dollars were appropriated for construction at Stonewall Lake. The same goes for Corridor H. We would like to think that more money could be found to beef up the infrastructure in the surrounding areas. It all goes hand in hand.

There is only so much the city of Weston and the Lewis County commission can do. They need help and they really can't wait 10 years to get it.

Today's editorial reflects the opinion of the Exponent editorial board, which is comprised of James G. Logue, Kevin S. Courtney, Patrick M. Martin, Matt Harvey, Nora Edinger and J. Cecil Jarvis.