Kearney launches major initiative to replace lead service lines

In a recent government meeting, officials outlined significant infrastructure projects set to commence this fall, including a collaborative effort between the county and city to renovate the cotton mill, with a total project cost of $550,000. Both entities will contribute equally, each covering $275,000. Due to lower-than-expected bids, the county has agreed to provide an additional $125,000, allowing for the completion of the entire project rather than just a portion.

Additionally, the city is finalizing a $39 million upgrade to its wastewater treatment facility, which has exceeded the original $34 million bond obtained for the project. An additional $5 million bond has recently closed to cover the remaining expenses, with completion anticipated this fall.

In the water sector, the city has allocated $400,000 for miscellaneous water districts and is actively pursuing a multi-year lead service line replacement initiative. This project aims to replace lead service lines, a concern heightened by past water crises such as the Flint disaster. Currently, over 1,000 out of 10,000 service lines in Kearney are identified as lead or unknown. The city is partnering with local contractors to facilitate the replacement, which will occur in phases over five years, with no cost to residents who opt for the replacement. The Department of Environmental Quality has also provided a grant to support these efforts, anticipating future mandates for lead line replacements.