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Committee approves pursuing PFA funds to replace lead and galvanized service lines
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Summary
The committee recommended submitting a drinking-water revolving fund application after staff reported an inventory of more than 600 service lines and noted $775,000 set aside by the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority; per-line estimate cited at about $15,000.
The Fergus Falls Committee of the Whole voted to recommend that the City Council authorize submitting an application to access Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) funds set aside for service-line replacement.
An agency official reported that staff and Apex Engineering completed an inventory that identified a little over 600 service lines that are known lead, galvanized, or unknown. “We have been put on a list of funds that have been set aside by the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority, the amount of $775,000 for a project that would replace service lines,” the presenter said, adding that the per-service estimate used for planning is roughly $15,000.
The presenter said staff would submit an intended-use plan and expected to work with city staff to prepare the application by the March 31 deadline. Committee members asked whether the grant has a repayment requirement and whether funds must be used within a single construction season; the presenter said the funds do not require repayment and that projects would be scheduled during a construction season but may not have to be completed in a single calendar year.
Members discussed who would be eligible for replacement work — whether the program would rely on resident applications or on the city selecting areas from its inventory — and noted a desire to coordinate replacements with street work where possible.
The committee moved and approved the recommendation by roll call. City staff said additional details on scope, resident access, and administration will be provided as the application proceeds.
