IM to seek water, sewer funding
Project tentatively slated for 2024 at $10M to $12M cost; no firm commitment yet
Trending
IRON MOUNTAIN -- City Manager Jordan Stanchina is drafting plans for a $10 million to $12 million water and sewer project in Iron Mountain, seeking 2024 funding through Michigan's Clean Water and Drinking Water state revolving funds.
"Submitting a project is the only way to find out if any grant/principal forgiveness funding will be available," Stanchina told the city council Monday.
The first step is to file an intent to apply form, due Nov. 1, and the council gave its approval. Applying doesn't commit the city to any expense.
The program typically provides low-interest loans, but the injection of federal infrastructure money has expanded grant opportunities. Still, Iron Mountain may not qualify for funding beyond loans.
"The (state's) scoring criteria hasn't been favorable to the city because our utility rates are too low and our median household income too high," Stanchina said, adding there's a chance the criteria could change.
The city will move forward with a plan and await the results -- likely a year from now.
The project would involve water and sewer main replacement, and lead service line replacement. Tentative areas include portions of West Hughitt, Lake, Forest, Adams, West A, East E, East B, East C and Sixth streets.
In other action, the council:
-- Gave approval to Payne and Dolan of Gladstone to patch a portion of Brown Street where storm sewer was recently installed for a TownPlace Suites hotel project. The cost is $215 per ton, making the estimated paving cost $12,000 to $18,000. The original plan was to have Bacco Construction Co. of Iron Mountain do the paving at about half that price, but it's unlikely it would get done before winter, Stanchina said. "Although the price is higher than what you would want, at least it's available," he said of the Payne and Dolan quote.
-- Will hold a public input meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, at City Hall to hear comments on marijuana business licensing in the city. No action is planned during the listening session.
Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-3500 ext. 226 or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.