The Dubuque City Council on Monday approved steps to issue taxable water revenue bonds totaling $1,941,000 to fund Phase 1 of a voluntary pilot to replace private lead water service lines.

Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Larson told the council the program will help about 200 homes in the first phase and forms part of a larger, three‑phase effort that could reach roughly 585 owner‑occupied or rented homes in the city. The project uses federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds administered by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources through the State Revolving Fund (Iowa SRF); under the terms noted by staff, 49% of construction costs will be forgivable and the SRF loan carries a 0% interest rate with a maturity of June 1, 2045.

Larson said the city will borrow 100% of costs up front; at project completion the Iowa Finance Authority will forgive 49% of principal. The remaining 51% will be repaid from the water enterprise fund. Work will be performed within city right‑of‑way and, where needed, on private property with property‑owner authorization. Replacements will vary by address — from full public‑to‑interior replacements to partial replacements that address the private portion of the line.

Council members asked how residents verify whether they have a lead service line. City staff said the water department maintains an inventory and that residents can contact the water department to confirm; staff noted the city had an existing inventory that made it a good candidate for the SRF offering. Questions about who inspects and verifies eligibility were answered with a direction to the water department and program administrators.

The council adopted the bond proceedings by unanimous roll call. Staff said the SRF structure — high forgivable share, 0% loan rate — and local inventory of service lines make the pilot feasible. The city will abate the loan payments from water‑fund revenues; staff said 49% of principal will be forgiven by the Iowa Finance Authority when conditions are met.

Next steps: Staff will move the project to design and scheduling, notify eligible households and begin work in neighborhoods selected for Phase 1. Residents who believe they might have a lead service line should contact the Water Department to confirm eligibility, staff said.