May 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 $5,214,744 in construction grants to three drinking water 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 systems received funding:
Butte City – Butte City in Butte County was awarded $600,000 to improve the water supply and install a new well, tank, and booster pump station.
Council – The city of Council in Adams County was awarded $1,686,080 to install a new well, well pump, storage tank, and booster pump and replace a booster station and water mains.
Homedale – The city of Homedale in Owyhee County was awarded $2,928,664 to install a new well and well pump, rehabilitate the water storage tank, and replace service lines and water mains.
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 drinking water and wastewater facilities. The criteria and list to expend the Leading Idaho funds are listed at https://gov.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/deq-leading-idaho-water-projects_06-2022.pdf.
These construction grants represent an estimated $8,649,310 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.