Mayor outlines multi‑part sewer upgrade; council hears funding options and water/fire mitigation plan

The mayor reported to the Lewiston City Council on Aug. 19 that the city is pursuing a multi‑component, long‑term sewer upgrade aimed at addressing existing service problems for current residents.

"The proposed solution that we have for the sewer is a long term fix," the mayor said, listing five components discussed by staff and engineers: headworks, a new lagoon, transfer stations between cells, a discharge system with chlorination/dechlorination, and a possible aeration system to increase evaporation.

Officials told the council they have been in repeated discussions with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the state Division of Water Quality (DWQ) and the city’s engineers to assemble a funding package. The mayor summarized the preliminary funding picture discussed with agency staff: about $1.5 million in principal forgiveness, a $1.2 million loan at 1 percent for 30 years, a $483,000 grant and a $2.0 million loan over 40 years from USDA. The mayor said the total project cost remained uncertain and could change once the agencies finalize numbers and determine how recently completed work—specifically a lift station that cost roughly $490,000—counts toward the city’s matching share.

Council members were told the city hopes to have the project bid package ready this winter and intends construction to begin the following summer or fall, noting spring is generally too wet for major excavation. Officials described the work as intended to serve the town’s current population, not to expand sewer capacity to enable new large‑scale development.

The council also heard a related water and fire‑protection issue. Representatives of Wright Woods told the city they need improved firefighting water for insurance compliance and proposed installing a private holding tank and associated hydrants on their side of the road. Under the proposal, Wright Woods would own the holding tank and hydrants on their side and supply their internal lines from that tank; the city would install a separate water line on the opposite side of the road to preserve city supply and aid mutual support in emergencies. The mayor said Wright Woods’ insurer requires at least 100,000 gallons of storage; Wright Woods is considering 300,000 gallons.

No final funding decisions were made at the meeting. The mayor said staff and engineers will continue discussions with USDA, DWQ and other partners to finalize the grant/loan package and confirm the total project cost.