June 27, 2024
Contact: MaryAnna Peavey, Grants and Loans Bureau Chief, MaryAnna.Peavey@deq.idaho.gov
BOISE – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) today announced the award of $30,989,4445 in construction grants to six drinking water and wastewater systems.
These construction projects are made possible through Governor Little’s Leading Idaho initiative.
“Water is our most valuable resource, and we absolutely must keep up the infrastructure to ensure water is clean and plentiful for this generation and future ones. That is why we made historic investments in water quality and quantity this year as part of my ‘Leading Idaho’ plan,” Governor Little said. “These investments also could keep your property taxes low. Property taxes are determined locally but the investments we made in water and other infrastructure needs at the state level help relieve the burden on local government to cover costs of projects, improving the chances property owners won’t be burdened with the costs,” said Governor Little.
The following entities received funding;
Big Twelve Water Association – Big Twelve Water Association in Fremont County was awarded $800,000 to address water supply and distribution deficiencies.
City of Bellevue – The city of Bellevue in Blaine County was awarded $3,304,837 to construct a new spring collection system, reconstruct a transmission main, construct and replace a water main, identify and repair leaks in the system, and complete other improvements to the system.
Kootenai-Ponderay Sewer District – Kootenai-Ponderay Sewer District in Bonner County was awarded $13,771,044 to design and construct a mechanical wastewater treatment facility, expand the land application reuse site, and make surface water discharge improvements.
City of Plummer – The city of Plummer in Benewah County was awarded $3,000,000 to develop a storage lagoon and land application system at the wastewater treatment plant.
Terrace Lakes Water Company – Terrace Lakes Water Company in Boise County was awarded $3,771,825 to drill a new well, replace a reservoir, construct a booster pump station, replace mains, and map the current system.
City of Troy – The city of Troy in Latah County was awarded $6,341,739 for wastewater system improvements, including conducting closed caption TV inspection services, replacing and rehabilitating manholes and piping, installing headworks, improving the disinfection system, and developing a land application system.
Background
In 2023, the State of Idaho approved plans to roll out $115 million in water and wastewater infrastructure project funding, benefiting communities across Idaho through DEQ’s State Revolving Loan Fund Program. This program provides grants and low-interest loans to qualified recipients to improve their drinking water and wastewater facilities. The criteria and list to expend the Leading Idaho funds are listed here.
These construction grants represent an estimated $52,556,590 in savings to communities compared to average costs for municipal general obligation debt issuances. For more information about DEQ’s State Revolving Loan Fund Program and to learn more about this year’s funding recipients, go to DEQ’s Construction Loans page.