Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Sewer Project topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Astoria secures grants, amends budget to begin design for sewage lift-station rehabilitation
Summary
Council authorized a DEQ Overflow Sewer and Stormwater Grant agreement of $150,000 and approved a supplemental budget resolution to receive roughly $305,800 to begin design work on a nearly $3.7 million lift-station rehabilitation project for three Marine Drive lift stations.
Astoria City Council on Jan. 21 authorized acceptance of a DEQ overflow sewer and stormwater grant and approved a supplemental budget resolution to fund design work for a sewage lift-station rehabilitation project.
City Manager Spence told the council the project will address three lift stations—mostly on Marine Drive—that convey the bulk of the city’s storm and sewage flows. Spence said the lift stations use Archimedes-screw systems, are nearing the end of their useful life, and that a failure of one station could require bypasses costing about $10,000 per week. He said the total project is just under $3.7 million.
On the grant side, Spence said public works staff secured two state funding sources: $150,000 from the DEQ Overflow Sewer and Stormwater Grant program to offset design costs, and additional funding from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Spence said the total new revenue to Fund 194 is approximately $305,800; about $185,880 is an outright grant, roughly $119,920 includes a forgivable component (50% forgivable) with the remainder financed at low interest.
Councilor Lum asked whether construction funding had been finalized; staff said additional financing (including low-interest loans and rate adjustments) may be needed for construction. Councilor Lum and Councilor Adams asked about the project timeline and urgency; Spence and staff emphasized they are moving quickly because the lift stations have reached their useful life and bypass costs would be significant if a station fails.
Councilor Lum moved to authorize the DEQ grant agreement for $150,000; Councilor Mozzarella seconded and the motion carried by voice vote. The council then approved a supplemental budget resolution to receive $305,800 into Fund 194 and appropriate the funds for professional services to support design work; that resolution passed by roll call: Councilor Davis, Councilor Mozzarella, Councilor Adams, Councilor Lum and Mayor Fitzpatrick all voted aye. Staff said design work will begin after budget incorporation and reimbursements will follow DEQ procedures.
