State grants cover full cost of Yoder water and sewer project, county public works says

Dawn Britton, Reno County director of public works, told the Board of County Commissioners that state grants now cover the full cost of a water and sewer project for the Yoder Water District.

The project is estimated at $1,399,560, Britton said, including $1,116,060 for construction and $283,500 for engineering. The county and partners had sought grant support after nitrate contamination left the Yoder district out of compliance with Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) standards. "The Yoda Water District 101 is out of compliance with KDHE regarding nitrate levels within the water," Britton said. The City of Hutchinson has agreed to sell water to the district and the county has signed a purchase agreement with the city.

Britton outlined awards that together cover the project: a state small town water and sewer infrastructure grant for $600,000 and a technical assistance grant for $94,600, plus an additional KDHE grant of $704,660. Taken together, she said, the awards cover the $1,399,560 total and eliminate the need for the district to borrow the balance.

The county director said local rate increases may still be necessary in the future to build reserves, but the capital cost will not be borne by Yoder residents. Commissioners and members of the public thanked staff and state partners for securing the grants. Britton offered to answer further questions about the public works annual report and the Yoder project.

The project remains subject to the terms of the purchase agreement with the City of Hutchinson and to final project management and construction schedules. Britton told commissioners she would convey gratitude to county staff and partners for their work securing the awards.