“It” finally hit the fan a month ago, when New York state denied an $800,000 consolidation funding application for the proposed Northern Chautauqua County Regional Water District, citing sluggish progress in forming the district.

Shortly after that, the Erie County Water Authority pitched its own proposal, saying it could provide water at a lower rate.

Those two items appeared to be a wake-up call for local leaders, realizing they’ve been dragging their feet too long on the proposed water district. County Executive Vince Horrigan has been hitting the pavement, drumming up support. So far, the towns of Portland, Pomfret and Dunkirk have gotten on board. City council officials still need to vote, but it appears they’re in support of the project.

Fredonia officials have not given their thumbs up, so the water district is moving ahead without them. Should the new board have a change of heart, Horrigan has indicated they can join at a later date, but for now the district is moving ahead without them.

The reality is that this water district project has taken far too long. Progress is what is needed. It appears that is finally happening.