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Town warns USDA review could jeopardize older water-project funding; short-term flushing planned for Harbor Lane
Summary
Town officials said the Water Tank & Infrastructure Project, originally obligated in 2018, is under federal review and could lose funding; staff have a waiver through Sept. 30, 2025, will meet with USDA, and will pursue short-term flushing and a long-term loop to address Queenstown Harbor water quality and pressure issues.
Town managers and commissioners told residents on May 14 that the town’s Water Tank & Infrastructure Project — originally obligated in 2018 — is under renewed review by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and could face de-obligation of funds.
Town Manager Lyndsey Ryan and staff said they will meet with USDA officials to review a pre-bid budget provided by consultant Rauch. The minutes record that the town has obtained a waiver extending review through Sept. 30, 2025, but that the USDA national office is scrutinizing older projects and the town may need to seek additional funding.
Separately, Public Works described both short- and long-term responses to recurring water-quality and pressure complaints in the Queenstown Harbor/Long Drive area. As an immediate measure, staff will flush the final hydrants on Harbor Lane and Long Drive for 15 minutes now and repeat that flushing every three months. For a long-term fix, staff said the planned USDA water-improvement project includes installing a loop to improve circulation.
Engineers from Rauch recommended checking service meters at several locations to determine whether clogged meters are limiting customer-side flow. If the distribution system is providing adequate pressure but individual customers still experience low pressure, the minutes state that residents could address the issue by privately installing pressure boosters; if investigations show system-side problems, the town would pursue remedial construction.
No construction schedule or additional funding sources were finalized at the meeting. The town attorney was directed to schedule a meeting with commissioners to discuss funding options and next steps with USDA. Staff said they would return with additional details after the meeting with USDA and following meter checks and cost estimates.
