Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Infrastructure Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Highlands discusses SRF pre‑application to finish water treatment improvements, including generator
Summary
Town staff discussed submitting a pre‑application for SRF funding to help complete water treatment improvements and a new generator; the board discussed loan/grant options and noted the town may still need financing to cover the remaining cost.
During the July 17 meeting the Highlands board and staff discussed a State Revolving Fund (SRF) pre‑application intended to help complete water treatment improvements, including a generator.
A commissioner asked staff how much money remained to finish the plant work. Staff said the amount the town lacks to complete the improvements with the generator is about $1,386,000. Staff emphasized the pre‑application is an initial step to determine eligibility and whether available assistance will be a grant, a low‑interest loan or a combination.
Why it matters: The water treatment improvements and a reliable backup generator were discussed as resiliency measures tied to recent storm recovery funding. Staff told the board the project must demonstrate resiliency and benefits to small downtown businesses to be competitive for the Helene recovery funds and SRF assistance.
Details: Staff said WK Dixon prepared application materials and that Southwestern Commission had indicated the project was a good candidate for available funds. The town does not yet know which specific type of SRF assistance (grant vs low‑interest loan) it would receive; staff described a mix of potential funding sources. The consent agenda item authorizing staff to proceed with pre‑application work was approved as part of the consent agenda.
Ending: Board members said they appreciated staff outreach to regional partners and encouraged completion of the pre‑application; final funding terms will be known only after a full application and award process.
