April 12, 2023
Contact: MaryAnna Peavey, Grants and Loans Bureau Chief, MaryAnna.Peavey@deq.idaho.gov
CRAIGMONT — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) today announced the award of a $1,801,059 low-interest wastewater construction loan to the city of Craigmont in Lewis County.
The funding will be used to install new headworks and a disinfection system; remove biosolids and ammonia; rehabilitate a lagoon; correct infiltration and inflow; and improve the collection system.
DEQ is authorized by state law to make loans to assist in the construction of public wastewater systems. Since the annual cost of wastewater service for residential customers exceeds one and one-half percent of the median household income, the city of Craigmont qualifies for a disadvantaged loan that carries favorable repayment terms.
The loan from DEQ’s State Revolving Loan Fund, which is capitalized annually by grants from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, carries a simple 1.50% interest rate, is payable over 30 years, and has a $376,997 principal forgiveness. The favorable loan terms represent a $1,383,360 savings to the community when compared to average costs for municipal general obligation debt issuances.