E. Hope receives water grants
EAST HOPE — What could have been a catastrophic water event for the city has everyone saying, “All’s well that ends well.”
In mid-May, a major run-off occurrence breached the dam that serves the water filtration system in this hillside community. At that time, authorities were able to divert a seasonal stream to provide enough water to temporarily sustain the city.
At the July council meeting, Mayor Paul Madden said volunteers were able to reroute the water from the temporary stream to Strong Creek, its original source, and that enough water was flowing to supply the town. However, he said major repairs are needed.
The access road to the dam was damaged and the dam itself was destroyed. The city applied for two grants, one from the federal government and the other from the state. Panhandle Area Council Economic Development Planner assisted the city in requesting the funding.
Madden said that he was pleased to say that the city would receive $90,000 from the Idaho Community Development Block Grant to rebuild the access road and $500,000 from USDA Rural Development to repair the dam and the water filtration system. These funds will alleviate the potential of the city of having to obtain a bond and/or assessing property owners.
“A lot of hard work went into this, I want to thank the volunteers, the people up their with rocks, sandbags and backaches.” Madden told authorities. He lined out the time table for obtaining permits and conducting the work, which if everything goes as smoothly as possible will mean that the city will have all the repairs completed before winter.
“It’s going to be a fight, everything will have to fall into place perfectly,” city clerk Christy Franck told the council.
Council member Jerry Clemons said, “I want to publicly thank Christy for all the work she’s put into this project. We appreciate it.”
“I’m just surprised at how quickly it’s all come together,” Franck replied.
Madden responded, “The dominoes have fallen over in a row, let’s hope that continues. It would be a pity to have money in the bank and not be able to repair the dam in time.”
Continuing with water issues, the council addressed water rates. The grants are administered with the idea that this is a one time shot.
“The government is saying, ‘We’ll replace your dam now, but not again in fifteen years,’” Madden said.
Authorities approved appropriating a $100,000 restricted reserve water system upgrade fund account.
The council was also asked to approve an increase in quarterly rates for a single-family residence from $32 per month to $33.55 per month. The additional monies will be put into the restricted account. The resolution was passed unanimously and residents will be notified in their next water bill.
The next regular East Hope council meeting will be Aug. 14 at 6:30 p.m. At 4 p.m. on the same day the continuance of the public hearing regarding Mill Harbor Development’s request for a subdivision and setback variances will be conducted.