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$4.28M ARPA allocation largely earmarked for interceptor line, aldermen told
Summary
Board members were told an ARPA allocation shown in the draft budget — $4,280,000 — is largely spoken for by a planned interceptor line and associated lift station; officials discussed a large ammonia‑removal project with preliminary estimates in the low‑to‑mid millions.
A $4,280,000 allocation that appears in the draft budget was described at the May 20 special meeting as already prioritized for a water/sewer interceptor line and lift station work, city staff told aldermen.
Public Works Commissioner Robert Bergman explained that the ARPA funds from the Fresh (Brush) Creek allocation were intended to support the transition main from the Cedars to the lift station and the interceptor line. Bergman said staff are still negotiating easements for the interceptor work.
Commissioner Bergman and other staff described an additional project — labeled in the discussion as an ammonia removal or ammonia improvements project — for which they had no final cost. Staff said early estimates for the ammonia work ranged in recent discussion from about $10 million to $12 million, but they had not settled on a firm figure. By contrast, the interceptor line cost estimate discussed at the meeting was described as being less than $5 million and previously around $4 million; staff said they would update those figures and report back to the board.
Staff also discussed efforts to reduce costs on the ammonia issue by exploring biological treatment options rather than constructing a full ammonia‑removal plant. Commissioners warned aldermen that the $4.28 million ARPA allocation is “spoken for” by project priorities and therefore not freely available for other uses without reallocation decisions.
Board members asked staff for updated cost estimates and easement status so the allocation can be reflected accurately in the balanced budget being prepared for a June reading.
