The City of Lead is taking significant steps to update its aging infrastructure, as discussed in the City Commission meeting on December 2, 2024. A key focus of the meeting was the urgent need to revise the city's outdated facility plan, originally drafted in the 1990s, which has been deemed insufficient to meet current state and federal requirements.

City officials highlighted that the updated facility plan is essential for evaluating the existing water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer systems. This evaluation will identify areas needing maintenance and improvements, ultimately leading to a prioritized list of projects with associated costs. The city is considering applying for a predevelopment planning grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD), which could provide up to $60,000 to assist with the necessary assessments. However, the city would need to cover 25% of the costs upfront until the project is approved.

The discussions emphasized the importance of this updated plan for securing additional funding for future multimillion-dollar water projects. Without it, the city risks missing out on critical state and federal funding opportunities. The timeline for completing the report is tight, with officials aiming to submit applications for state funding by October 2025.

City staff are currently working to gather necessary data and prepare for the request for proposals (RFP) process to engage engineering firms for the project. The goal is to ensure that the city can effectively address its infrastructure needs while maximizing available funding sources.

As Lead moves forward with these plans, the community can expect improvements in water and sewer services, which are vital for public health and safety. The city is committed to a proactive approach in maintaining and enhancing its infrastructure for the benefit of all residents.