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Story County ARPA funds credited with Bertha Bartlett Library expansion; Slater wastewater upgrade credited with reduced ammonia levels
Summary
Officials reported on ARPA-funded projects: Bertha Bartlett Library completed a 5,000 sq ft expansion adding accessible entrances, meeting/performance space and study rooms; the city of Slater used $500,000 in County ARPA funds toward a wastewater upgrade that has lowered ammonia to within Iowa DNR standards.
At the Story County Board meeting April 7, local officials reported on ARPA-funded projects that county supervisors previously approved.
Tara Turner of Bertha Bartlett Public Library presented the library’s final ARPA report: the project added roughly 5,000 square feet, two ADA entrances, two study rooms, a large meeting/performance space that seats up to 214, an expanded children’s area and improved lighting. Turner said the renovation—completed with fundraising and Story County ARPA support, not a city tax levy—kept the library open during 15 months of construction.
"This would not have been possible without the many volunteers and donors ... and the generous support of Story County," Turner said, adding the facility has hosted multiple recitals and community events since reopening.
Jerry Moore provided an ARPA update for the city of Slater. He said Story County disbursed $500,000 (approved Dec. 15, 2022) to Slater for upgrades to its wastewater treatment plant; additional funding came from a $6.1 million Iowa Finance Authority loan, $1.1 million in city funds and $1.0 million from an adjacent jurisdiction. Moore said the treatment plant is now treating over 55,000 gallons per day and reported a significant drop in ammonia in 2025, with levels ranging from 0 to 2.78, which he said is within Iowa DNR standards.
Moore also described a partnership with Grosswind Technology to collect and research approximately 138 wet tons of algae as a byproduct; the company is exploring use of algae as a soil amendment.
Supervisors thanked the presenters and noted the projects address community needs for access and environmental compliance. Moore and Turner answered questions from supervisors about operations and outreach.
