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Council authorizes loans and grants to repair sewer lines and build SR‑225 sidewalks
Summary
Council authorized the mayor to apply for low‑interest loans (including Ecology loan with potential 50% principal forgiveness) for sewer-line repairs and approved a TIB grant application for SR‑225 sidewalks; the city also reported a separate WSDOT Safe Routes award of about $1.2 million for sidewalks.
Benton City moved July 15 to pursue multiple funding avenues to repair sewer infrastructure and build sidewalks along SR‑225.
Public works staff reported they submitted an RCCF application for sewer-line repairs and noted prior unsuccessful Ecology applications. Nathan told council Ecology and the Public Works Board offer low-interest loans and that Ecology’s program can provide "50% principal forgiveness on the loan" once approved. To pursue those options, council authorized the mayor to apply for a Public Works Board loan and a Washington State Department of Ecology loan (Resolutions 2025‑39 and 2025‑40), both of which passed by council vote.
Separately, staff reported that a WSDOT Safe Routes to School SR‑225 sidewalks project had been awarded funding of approximately $1,200,000 to install sidewalks, storm drainage, crosswalks, signage and lighting between the elementary school and the high school; council also approved Res. 2025‑41 to apply for a TIB grant to support sidewalks along SR‑225.
Council said the sewer repairs are a priority and directed staff to proceed with loan and grant applications; the motion approvals allow the mayor to sign the necessary application documents. The council did not adopt any appropriations at this meeting; funding award and loan terms will determine future budget actions.
