City moves to secure $5 million for lead pipe removal

During a recent city council meeting, officials authorized the city manager to enter into contracts for debris monitoring services, designating Debritec as the primary contractor and Rostan Solutions as the secondary contractor. The motion, made by Councilmember Donna Renee Anderson and seconded by Mayorani Velasquez, was unanimously approved by the council.

In a significant discussion, the council also addressed an application to the Texas Water Development Board for a grant and loan aimed at lead service line removal. Director of Utilities DJ Brower explained that the city has been selected to apply for up to $5 million to replace lead pipes connecting water mains to homes. This initiative is crucial as the Environmental Protection Agency plans to lower lead content requirements in drinking water by 2027.

Brower clarified that the funding would cover both the identification of lead and galvanized pipes and the engineering and construction costs for their replacement. The financial package consists of a 51% grant and a 49% loan, with the loan terms ranging from five to thirty years at a favorable interest rate of approximately 2.5%. The council's approval is a vital step in ensuring the safety of the city's water supply and compliance with upcoming regulatory changes.