Council accepts $1.5 million DEQ funding offer for East Orchard sewer; city to provide 10% match

The Lewiston City Council voted March 23 to accept a funding offer from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality for wastewater improvements in the East Orchard area.

Public Works Director Dustin Johnson told the council the DEQ emerging contaminants funding/loan (project WW2602EC) will finance design and construction work identified by the Urban Renewal Agency. "This is specifically for the East Orchard Sewer projects," Johnson said, and he described coordination between the URA, engineering consultants and wastewater staff. The funding amount presented to the council was $1,500,000. Director Johnson said the city's share is 10% of the project, or $150,000, and that the council should approve a $500,000 budget amendment to capture revenue and allocate design expenses that will be spent across future fiscal years.

Councilors asked clarifying questions about whether the city's match was already in FY2026 budget and Johnson replied the city match will be included via the amendment. The resolution to accept the DEQ funding and authorize the loan agreement (Resolution 20-26-11) was moved by Councilor Wright and seconded by Councilor Forsman; the motion carried by voice vote.

Why it matters: the grant/loan supports sewer design and construction in a URA-identified project area and involves city matching funds and a near-term budget amendment. Completion of design and coordination with the URA and consultants were listed as next steps.

What's next: staff said design work will begin with engineering consultants; council opted to accept the funding and amend the budget as recommended.