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Fort Atkinson accepts DNR outreach grant for lead service line replacement
Summary
The council accepted a $150,000 Department of Natural Resources grant (with a possible additional $28,000) to fund outreach and education for the city’s lead service line replacement program; staff said roughly 650–700 laterals on the public and private side may require replacement.
The Fort Atkinson City Council on June 16 accepted a $150,000 outreach grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to support lead service line replacement communications and community engagement.
Director Naven said the grant — awarded to a joint application with Jefferson County Health and Human Services — is intended to fund outreach, education, translation and public-participation activities tied to the city’s inventory and replacement planning. The award covers eligible costs incurred between May 16, 2026 and May 15, 2028.
Naven told the council the city’s inventory of service laterals counts roughly 4,79 (staff clarified the number during discussion) and estimated the number of lead or galvanized service lines requiring replacement or remediation at about 650–700 across public and private sides. Naven said Jefferson County Health and Human Services will support translation and health-focused messaging.
Naven also said the DNR indicated additional funds (~$28,000) might be reallocated from previous cycles and could become available to Fort Atkinson. The council voted to accept the award and authorized the city manager to sign the acceptance letter.
Why it matters: replacing lead service lines reduces exposure risk and requires public outreach and substantial coordination between the city, county health officials and residents. The grant funds are intended for outreach rather than for reimbursing construction costs; the city will still pursue capital funding through other programs as needed.
Provenance: Topic first introduced at SEG 1338 and continued through SEG 1496.
