Assembly moves funds to address high‑manganese well at new charter school site

The Assembly approved a budget amendment and associated resolution on May 19 to allocate funds for drainage improvements and address unforeseen infrastructure needs at an American Charter Academy site. Staff told the Assembly a recently drilled well tested with manganese at levels above 400 parts per billion — well over the Alaska DEC threshold of 50 ppb for potable water — requiring interim or permanent alternatives for drinking water.

Public Works staff explained options under active consideration: installing a potable cistern at an estimated cost just under $300,000 plus recurring water‑haul operating costs estimated at about $20,000 per year, or installing a treatment system (initial cost not finalized) that would require certified operators and ongoing testing obligations. Staff said discussions are ongoing with the school district about operations and the prospect of drilling alternative wells if feasible. Several Assembly members urged exploring deeper or alternate well locations before committing large contingency expenditures.

The resolution uses surplus design funds from a related bond project to provide flexibility for the school build-out and to ensure potable water solutions are available as construction progresses. Staff emphasized the current contingency is limited and that early site due diligence (hydrology/water testing) is not standard in all procurement processes but may be warranted in future projects.

The Assembly passed the resolution with no recorded objection; staff will continue planning and report back with specific cost estimates and implementation choices.