Area systems net DEQ funding

SANDPOINT — A number of North Idaho drinking water and wastewater systems were among those selected for Idaho Department of Environmental Quality funding, Idaho officials announced Thursday.

A total of 24 systems, including three in Bonner County and two in Kootenai County, received grants to help the facilities evaluate system deficiencies and determine necessary upgrades, as part of Governor Brad Little’s “Leading Idaho” plan. In Bonner County, the city of Dover, Outlet Bay Sewer and West Bonner Water and Sewer all received funding. In Kootenai County, the city of Coeur d’Alene and the Hauser Lake Water Association received funding.

“Families, farmers, ranchers and all Idaho residents rely on clean, efficient water and wastewater systems. These systems are not only a crucial part of our way of life, but our economy as well. Funding for these projects from my Leading Idaho plan aims to ensure that Idaho residents – especially those in our rural communities – can depend on our water and wastewater infrastructure for generations to come,” said Idaho Governor Brad Little.

The city of Dover received $82,000 for a study of its wastewater system, with the city picking up the remainder of the $164,000 cost.

The Outlet Bay Sewer District was awarded $28,750 — half of the $57,500 cost of a wastewater facility study, and the Bonner Water and Sewer District was awarded half of the cost of the $35,000 cost for a study of drinking water system.

The city of Coeur d’Alene was awarded 50% of the $207,700 needed to prepare a drinking water planning study and environmental review to evaluate the current drinking water system and identify needed improvements. The Hauser Lake Water Association, Inc. was awarded 50% of the $40,000 needed for a study and environmental review to evaluate its current drinking water system and identify needed improvements.

The remainder of the costs for the study will be covered by the municipalities or respective water and sewer districts.

DEQ’s Planning Grant Program provides assistance to eligible wastewater and drinking water systems. The grants are used to develop engineering reports identifying the most cost-effective, environmentally sound method of upgrading a system to achieve and maintain compliance with state and federal standards.