Vincent Grama, a representative of the Prattville Public Works Department, announced the city’s new Lateral Rehabilitation Assistance Program, or LRAP, during a briefing at the Pine Creek facility’s Solace Handling Villa. The program helps homeowners pay to replace damaged sanitary sewer laterals that connect homes to the city sewer system.

Grama said homeowners must complete an LRAP application, submit a repair quote from a certified plumber and pay a $50 application fee. "Once approved, LRAP covers the full cost of repair," Grama said, adding that the repayment will be added to the homeowner’s water bill at $30 per month with no interest until the balance is paid off.

The program uses periodic smoke testing to identify faults in the sanitary sewer system. Grama said crews mark problem locations in a GPS system and notify affected residents. He added that homeowners who find a problem themselves may also apply. "If we find an issue with your line, then we mark it on our GPS system and notify you," Grama said.

City officials framed LRAP as both a homeowner assistance measure and a utility-cost-control tool: "By fixing your lateral line, you're helping reduce rainwater infiltration into our sewer system. Less rainwater means lower treatment costs for the city, and those savings help us keep rates affordable for everyone in Prattville," Grama said.

The announcement said applicants can download the LRAP form from the city website or pick up a copy at the Public Works office. The city did not specify eligibility limits, maximum covered repair amounts, or whether the $30 monthly repayment is fixed for all cases; residents were directed to contact Prattville Public Works with questions.

The LRAP announcement was informational; there was no recorded vote or formal policy action at the briefing.

For more information, residents were directed to the Prattville Public Works website or to contact the department directly.