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Queenstown moves to obligate ARPA funds for sewer I&I project as deadline looms
Summary
At its Sept. 25 meeting the Queenstown Commissioners agreed to contact bidders and move quickly to obligate ARPA funds for an inflow-and-infiltration sewer project before a 12/31/24 deadline; the board also discussed water-tower financing, resumed membrane valve automation work and applied for a $1.5M DNR dredging grant.
Queenstown Commissioners agreed Sept. 25 to take steps to obligate American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a borough inflow-and-infiltration (I&I) sewer project before a calendar-year obligation deadline.
Town Manager Amy Moore and staff told the board the I&I project has already been bid but must have a signed contract by Dec. 31, 2024, for the ARPA money to remain available. Town Attorney Lyndsey Ryan recommended that the town contact all bidders to determine whether quoted prices still stand so the town does not miss the funding deadline.
The decision followed a finance update from Pat Bowell, who said she is preparing the balance sheet required for the town's USDA wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) loan and urged commissioners to revisit assumptions in the 2013 Water & Sewer Rate Study. Bowell said the cost of running the WWTP “has increased substantially” and that current revenues are not keeping pace.
Separately, the board discussed related infrastructure work. Officials said they are seeking updated term quotes for interim financing of a proposed new water tower and that a contractor has resumed work on membrane-clean valve automation for the WWTP. Moore also reported that the town has applied to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for $1.5 million in FY'26 grant funding to support federal channel dredging; a consultant is completing design and permitting for that project.
Next steps: commissioners directed staff to contact bidders on the I&I project to confirm pricing and to continue pursuing interim financing quotes for the water tower. The meeting record shows no formal award or contract was signed during the Sept. 25 meeting.
