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Council advances SIB loan first reading and hears updates on water projects and testing
Summary
Council approved first reading for a $500,000 ODOT SIB loan application for West Railroad Street and the city reported water-tank inspection and PFOA testing updates, EPA approvals for well sites, and other infrastructure planning.
City Manager Lance Willard updated the Columbiana City Council on multiple water and infrastructure items on May 6 and the council advanced an ordinance on first reading to pursue a State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) loan.
Willard said the city applied for a grant for a proposed half‑million‑gallon water-tank replacement and that Omega (consultant) helped prepare the application. He also reported the city submitted an application to the Ohio Department of Transportation State Infrastructure Bank for a $500,000 loan to help close a funding gap on the West Railroad Street project; Ordinance No. 25‑O‑3293 was taken on first reading and roll-call votes were recorded.
Willard said the half‑million‑gallon tank was emptied, inspected and returned to service and that the formal inspection report is expected next month. He also said the city collected per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS; referenced in the meeting as perfluorooctanoic substances/PFOA) samples and is awaiting results; the sampling was described as part of EPA requirements. Willard reported the city received site approval for Wells 16 and 17 (Crestview Road well site) and is running a large water line to connect that supply.
On the West Railroad Street project, Willard described a funding gap of approximately $1,200,000; staff is pursuing loans and gap grants, including the $500,000 SIB loan and a potential critical infrastructure grant. He said ODOT SIB financing at 0% interest for $500,000 would reduce the gap to roughly $750,000 before pursuing additional grants.
Councilmembers asked procedure questions about loan application and grant stacking; staff said ODOT and consultant support would help assemble multiple funding sources. No final loan award was made at the May 6 meeting; the ordinance authorized applying for the SIB loan and related documents.
