October 25, 2022
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 $6,650,000 in construction grants to four drinking water systems.
These construction projects are funded from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that Governor Brad Little directed to DEQ in 2022.
“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.
Kootenai County Water District No. 1 – Kootenai County Water District No. 1 in Kootenai County was awarded $5 million to supplement material and labor cost overruns of their existing project, which consists of replacing and repairing the distribution system, increasing water storage, adding and replacing pump capacity, and replacing meters.
Bayview Water and Sewer District – Bayview Water and Sewer District in Bonner County was awarded $750,000 to supplement material and labor cost overruns of their existing project, which consists of rehabilitating the existing storage tank, replacing transmission lines, and installing new equipment, including transmission lines, transmission and distribution mains, a new well, and a back-up generator.
Sunnyside Water Association – Sunnyside Water Association in Bonner County was awarded $500,000 to supplement material and labor cost overruns of their existing project, which consists of adding two booster stations, replacing piping, and rehabilitating the existing water storage reservoir.
City of St. Maries – The city of St. Maries in Benewah County was awarded $400,000 to supplement material and labor cost overruns of their existing project, which consists of replacing and upgrading existing water lines.
Background
In 2022, the State of Idaho approved plans to roll out $300 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 ARPA 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 $10,328,337 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.