Prospect Borough’s effort to establish a nine-municipality water and sewer authority is a bold effort destined to encounter opposition along the way.

As with restrictions tied to a zoning law, many people don’t like to be told what they can and cannot do. In the case of the proposed water and sewer authority, there will be some people who will argue that their water well and septic tank are working fine — and no one should order them to become part of a municipal system and to start paying water and sewer bills.

As the effort moves forward, many elected and appointed municipal officials will continue to distance themselves from the effort, fearing criticism from residents.

The lack of strong meeting participation by officials other than those of Prospect already indicates a tough road ahead.

Nevertheless, the points being made in support of establishing the authority — the proposed name of which would be the Moraine Area Sewer and Water Authority — are accurate and demonstrate commendable foresight by Prospect officials.

Indeed, the area’s proximity to Interstate 79 and Cranberry Township makes it a target for growth going forward. It’s better for a growing area to have sanitary sewer and public water plans or systems in place before state environmental officials step in and implement requirements without regard to cost.

Another strong argument is that without planning and zoning, development will be difficult to control. Haphazard development could have adverse effects on existing property values and on efforts to increase business and industrial development.

Despite the nearby assets that could help bring growth to the nine municipalities, the area could remain locked in the past if the eight other municipalities reject cooperation.

A ninth municipality — West Liberty Borough — already has refused to participate.

Municipalities still being sought as authority participants are the boroughs of Connoquenessing and Portersville and the townships of Brady, Connoquenessing, Franklin, Lancaster, Muddy Creek and Worth.

Prospect Councilman Ed Robinson, chairman of the sewage committee, said at a meeting Thursday evening that it could take a year or two for an authority to be started. What is going on now is establishment of a framework for moving forward — something the targeted municipalities either will join or reject.

Despite what their constituents might be saying, officials of all of the municipalities should have the courage to attend meetings to keep themselves and their community residents informed — regardless of their ultimate decision.

Even though some people might disagree, Prospect officials are working for the benefit of the proposed water-sewer region, not working against its best interests.

The reluctance that’s already evident is not unusual. Other counties have experienced similar reactions.

Regardless of how the proposal is being received by others, Prospect officials should not become discouraged. They should continue to push forward and continue to reach out to their neighboring communities for input and to gauge public opinion.

But the arguments in support of the authority’s formation are based on sound thinking and good judgment.

And not to be forgotten is that multi-municipality efforts are looked upon more kindly for state and federal grants than for communities pursuing something on their own.