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Crawford council approves application for $30,000 USDA SEARCH grant to update water facilities plan
Summary
The council voted unanimously to work with engineering firm JEO to apply for a $30,000 USDA SEARCH grant for an updated facilities plan covering Crawford’s water plant, hydrants, gallery and in-town distribution; the plan is intended to support future grant applications.
The Crawford City Council voted unanimously Oct. 14 to authorize engineering firm JEO to apply for a $30,000 SEARCH grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture to pay for an updated facilities plan for the city’s water system. Council Member Christopher Dean made the motion and Patti Page seconded.
City officials said the facilities plan would analyze the water plant, in-town distribution, hydrants and the gallery and provide the engineering basis needed to qualify for future funding. "We need a facilities plan to apply for additional grants," Council Member Christopher Dean said, noting he was unsure whether the $30,000 grant will fully cover the cost of the study.
Water/Sewer operator Denis Krotz told the council the plant has recent operational challenges that illustrate the need for upgrades: a newly installed air compressor has had issues requiring some manual operation, the gallery automation is being run manually while quotes are obtained, and a leaking tank needs repair. Krotz also said the city did not receive a security grant this year but may pursue other grant options.
Mayor April Grant and council members framed the grant application as a preparatory step: if JEO is awarded the SEARCH grant, the engineering work would identify priorities and enable the city to seek larger funding sources for construction or rehabilitation.
The council’s vote authorizes staff and JEO to pursue the SEARCH grant application; the motion carried without opposition. Next steps are for JEO to submit the application and for staff to report back if the grant is awarded.
