April 2, 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 a $3,185,000 construction grant to Idaho City in Boise County, Idaho.
The construction project funds, which were made possible through Governor Little’s Leading Idaho initiative, will be used for intake reconstruction, leak detection and repair of distribution piping, source deficiencies, and water main replacement.
“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.
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 low-interest loans and grants to qualified recipients to improve their drinking water and wastewater facilities. The criteria and list to expend the Leading Idaho funds are available here.
These construction grants represent an estimated $5,195,730 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.