The Napoleon City Council took a significant step towards enhancing the city’s water infrastructure during their meeting on October 6, 2025, by approving legislation to apply for EPA funding for the design phase of a crucial waterline project. City Engineer Chad provided insights into the funding process, emphasizing the urgency due to a looming deadline of October 15.

Chad explained that the city has successfully utilized this funding source in the past, primarily for sewer projects, but has also benefited from low-interest rates for water initiatives. “In all of our projects, our interest rates have varied between 0 and less than 1%,” he noted, highlighting the financial advantages of this funding.

The design portion of the project is estimated at approximately $436,000, with the city poised to apply for additional funding for construction once the plans are finalized. Chad reassured council members that the city would only borrow what is necessary, stating, “If we get funding from another source, they only have us take what we need.”

Despite the tight timeline, the council swiftly moved to suspend the rules to expedite the funding application, with all members voting in favor. This decision marks a proactive approach to securing financial support for essential infrastructure improvements, setting the stage for future construction efforts aimed at enhancing the city’s water services.