VS Commission opts to apply for drinking water improvement project grant, loan funding
On the heels of a major infrastructure and road reconstruction project, the Valley Springs City Commission has begun planning for the next big project.
This time, however, the focus will be on improving the city’s drinking water system.
Estimated at $3,605,000, the commission met in special session on March 29 to learn more about possible financial assistance for the project. At their regular monthly meeting in March, commissioners decided to move forward with the water distribution and well improvement plan, necessitating the need to apply for loan and grant funding. The project essentially would improve water mains and upgrade the well houses. City engineer Gabe Laber added they will also consider adding a water treatment system to the project. Laber said the city water is “decent,” adding, “they are just looking to make it a little bit better.”
Sophie Johnson, from Southeastern Council of Governments (SECOG) encouraged the commission to assign American Rescue Plan Act funds to this project and said DANR would match it.
Commissioners agreed to apply their ARPA funds to the project, which is still in the planning stages.
The Drinking Water Facilities funding application was submitted April 1 and the city should be notified by June if the project will receive DANR funding.
Once that determination is made, commissioners will then decide on whether or not to move forward with the project. A public hearing will also be warranted.
The commission also appointed Ardell Johnson, Mary Finck and Ken Bodewitz as election workers for the April 12 municipal election. Two candidates have filed for the lone, four-year term that’s being vacated by Lynn Schmidt, who opted not to file for re-election. Seeking the position are Rick Larsen and Todd Versteeg. The polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Valley Springs American Legion Hall.
Due to the municipal election taking place on the commission’s usual meeting night, they will meet instead at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 19 at the Legion Hall.
