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Authority reports 3 miles of pipeline laid and files $25 million earmark request to expand service across Marion County
Summary
Authority staff reported progress on a grant-funded pipeline project (about three miles of pipe laid) and told the board that an earmark request for $25 million was submitted with letters of support to extend drinking water service to residents across Marion County; well work remains on hold pending fund releases and ARPA-funded work must be completed by Sept. 30.
Board staff reported progress on grant-funded water infrastructure projects and described a pending federal funding request intended to extend service to residents who currently lack connections.
Eric said the project team has laid about three miles of pipe on County Highway 130 and that his and a colleague’s outreach yielded "probably seven or eight accounts" that have submitted deposits to connect. He said the work is funded with a mix of ARPA money and county funds and that ADM (the contractor/approving body referenced in the meeting) has issued a notice to proceed for portions of the project.
Eric warned that well-related work is in a holding pattern until ADM releases additional funds and that ADM’s workload tied to ARPA projects has slowed some processing. He said there is no hard deadline for the well money but that ARPA-funded projects aim to be wrapped up by Sept. 30.
On federal support, Eric confirmed staff submitted an earmark request for $25 million and that the request was accompanied by letters of support from the county commission and from state and federal lawmakers’ offices. "We requested $25 million. That'll be enough to get everybody that doesn't have water in Marion County," he said, noting it could be about a year before they learn whether the request is funded.
A board member noted the authority purchased about $25,000 worth of water recently; Eric and others said successful wells would reduce future purchased-water needs and provide backup supply. Staff also told members that auditors have requested FY25 documentation and that auditors are likely to present multiple years of audits in roughly two months.
The board did not take a formal vote on the funding request at this meeting; Eric said the earmark had already been submitted. Staff described ongoing policy work on delinquent accounts and unauthorized use, with more formal policies to be developed and reviewed in coming months.
Next procedural steps: staff will continue to pursue federal funding and coordinate with municipalities on potential joint projects to reach remaining residents without service.
