Residents of the Marwood and Cabot areas of Winfield Township should not ignore the opportunity to hear details and express their opinions about an estimated $6.9 million sanitary-sewer project that is in the planning stages.

Attending a public meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Winfield Firehall will enable those residents to learn firsthand what is being contemplated and to avert unnecessary concerns based on unfounded claims and perceptions.

Getting information from official, knowledgeable sources always is the best policy.

Obviously, the most immediate interest to the residents will be the costs they will have to bear in relation to the project, as well as what inconveniences they might have to endure during actual installation of the system.

Talking with people dealing with the current expansion of the Saxonburg Area Authority's system would provide some insight, but the most important information will be that coming from what is being planned for Cabot and Marwood.

Potential customers of the proposed system must understand that the new system is not optional; the state Department of Environmental Protection has determined the need for the system and is pushing for it to be installed.

According to the DEP, there are numerous failing or otherwise inadequate septic systems in those areas.

That is contrary to a healthy environment and, thus, to the health of residents.

The septic system deterioration will only worsen — and the cost of correcting the problem will increase each year the project is delayed.

The township is hoping to acquire a federal grant to fund about half of the project. It was decided to opt for federal money because less money is believed to be available from the state.

But Winfield officials should continue to search both levels of possible funding by way of lawmakers in Washington, D.C., and Harrisburg. The search for more money should leave no option unexplored.

The proposed project is an opportunity for Winfield to better itself. That betterment process will be easier via an informed public.

The Dec. 8 meeting is an opportunity for the project to begin on the right foot, although, understandably, not everyone will be happy about how it will impact them.

Ignoring the meeting will do nothing to help the project.