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Commissioners back letter seeking up to $2 million in federal help for lake phosphorus treatment
Summary
County leaders voted to sign a letter seeking federal funding for a $3.9 million phosphorus-suspension treatment of the lake; the request asks for $2 million to treat the deepest end and the county agreed to facilitate funds if routed through the county.
A representative seeking support for a lake-treatment project asked the Decatur County commissioners to sign a fast-moving request for federal funds to address phosphorus in lake sediment.
John Lake Santi told the board an outside firm (Utriix) estimated the total project to suspend and stabilize phosphorus sediments at about $3.9 million; he asked the county to support $2 million in federal funding for treatment of the lake's deepest area and to be prepared to serve as a pass-through if regional wastewater authorities do not receive or route the funds directly. "So, we're requesting 2 million just to treat the deepest end where the most sediment is," he said, adding the application must be submitted by Friday with an answer expected in one to four weeks.
Commissioners moved and voted to sign a letter of support and to facilitate funds if they are awarded to the county. Christie was asked to retain a copy and email it to staff for records.
Why it matters: Phosphorus in lake sediment drives algae blooms and recurring water-quality costs. The requested federal funds would significantly reduce the local capital burden if awarded.
What’s next: The signed letter will be submitted this week; if the federal award is routed through the county the commissioners indicated they would facilitate the pass-through and coordinate with the regional wastewater district.
