HIERING, GANNON AND MCKENNA

COUNSELLORS AT LAW

29 HADLEY AVENUE

P.O. BOX 5258

TOMS RIVER, NEW JERSEY  08754-5258

(732) 349-1800

FAX # (732) 286-2275

HHG5258@AOL.COM

Jeanne M. Fox, President

Board of Public Utilities

Two Gateway Center

Newark, New Jersey, 07102

            Re:      Parkway Water Company

                        Petition for Increase  in Rates and Charges

                        Docket No.  WR05070634

Dear Ms. Fox:

            Please accept this letter on behalf of the Township of Howell as an objection to the recent rate increase petition filed by Parkway Water Company, a copy of which is attached.  The Township strongly objects to this unconscionable rate request, which, if granted, would more than double the rates that are paid by water customers in the area of Howell Township which is serviced by the Parkway Water Company.  It is the feeling of the Mayor and Council that such an increase would reward Parkway Water Company for both their inefficiency and their failure to take proper actions to remediate the contamination problem which has existed now for a number of years.  Although there has been talk of a remediation plan, no such plan has been implemented to date and the company has taken no real action to deal with the problems facing it other than the half-hearted attempt to sell the company.

            It is respectfully requested that no rate increase be given in this matter until the company demonstrates that it in fact is deserving of one and until it produces a long-term plan to deal with water contamination issues and the other problems which are facing them.

            The Township respectfully asks to be kept informed of the progress of this matter and to be notified in advance when the public hearing is scheduled.  It appreciates the diligence in this matter and hopes that this application will be carefully scrutinized before any increase is given.

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

                                                                        EDMUND J. CORRIGAN

                                                                        For the Firm

EJC:ds

Enclosure

cc:        Parkway Water Company

            Douglas R. Kleinfeld, Esquire

            Office of Administrative Law

            Division of the Ratepayer Advocate