Paragonah council hears $3 million water-line funding; geotech finds fault-line constraint

During the mayor's report the council was briefed on technical and funding developments for the town's water-line and storage project. Unidentified Speaker 1 said the town received approval for approximately $3,000,000 to address lead-and-copper water-line replacements; the speaker characterized about $1.5 million of that amount as a grant and the remainder as a low-interest loan. The loan was described as carrying roughly 1% interest over a 39-year term; the speaker estimated that financing could result in about $200,000 in interest over the loan period.

Councilors and staff discussed geotechnical findings at the proposed water-tank site. Unidentified Speaker 1 said engineers discovered a fault line and that the tank would need to be set back 50 feet from the fault; members questioned whether locating the tank below the fault would still provide needed elevation and pressure. A council member noted concerns about routing pipe across or near that fault and asked about methods to stabilize a line that might cross it.

Separately, a council member reported that PFAS testing had been completed and submitted; the council had not yet received results at the time of the meeting. Staff said once the project goes to bid the town can apply the approved funding toward construction.

Councilors and staff agreed to continue coordination with engineers and to address siting and stabilization questions during final design and bid preparation. No final construction contract was approved at this meeting.