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Athens Council OKs applications for state loans and forgiveness for Strain Road sewer, approves pre‑engineering
Summary
The Athens City Council voted to apply for Clean Water State Revolving Fund loans and to accept principal forgiveness and federal ARPA funds for a Strain Road sewer and drainage package, and authorized pre‑engineering work for phase 1.
The Athens City Council on May 19 authorized the mayor to apply for state revolving fund loans and to accept principal‑forgiveness grants and federal ARPA funding to move forward with sewer and drainage work on Strain Road.
The action, approved 4–0, also authorized up to $163,000 for pre‑engineering services for Phase 1 of the Strain Road rehabilitation, to be funded from the SRF loan if the award is made.
Why it matters: Council members said the Strain Road corridor has suffered drainage and sewer problems for decades and that the package — combining loans, principal forgiveness and federal Recovery Act money — would allow the city to address both drainage and sewer work together rather than piecemeal.
Mayor Mark, who led discussion on the agenda item, said the city had secured written confirmation of funding commitments after weeks of seeking documentation. Councilmember James Lucas said engineers and staff had surveyed the corridor and determined drainage must be addressed before sewer installation. City engineer Michael Griffin and city staff member Holly Holman participated in site walks and planning.
The resolution as read at the meeting describes the financing in these terms: an application for Clean Water State Revolving Fund loans in the amounts listed in the council packet; acceptance of principal forgiveness grant(s) described in the packet; and acceptance of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds also described in the packet. The printed motion read during the council meeting listed loan and grant figures, but the transcript contains inconsistent numbers in several places. The council authorized the mayor to proceed with the applications and to accept grants if awarded; the council vote was 4 ayes, 0 nays.
The council also approved a separate resolution authorizing the city engineer to enter into an agreement for pre‑engineering services — surveying and easement acquisition — for Phase 1 of the Strain Road rehabilitation in an amount not to exceed $163,000, with funds to be paid by anticipated SRF loan proceeds.
During the work session earlier in the evening, Mayor Mark and Councilmember Lucas described prior efforts to secure outside funding and credited Representative Danny Crawford and other contacts for helping obtain commitments. Staff said work would begin on drainage first, then sewer installation would follow; a city staff member indicated a colleague named Jimmy would handle sewer work after drainage is underway.
What’s next: Staff will proceed with the SRF application, begin the pre‑engineering contract if funding is available, and return to council with contract documents and any required agreements for easements or construction authorization.
