Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Wastewater topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Owensville schedules SRF workshop as engineer outlines wastewater funding options
Summary
City Engineer Travis Hernandez outlined a multi-step plan for addressing AOC requirements and collection system issues to access MDNR SRF loan and grant funds and the board scheduled an SRF workshop for March 17, 2025, to review the project planning and funding path including voter bond requirements.
City Engineer Travis Hernandez told the Board of Aldermen on March 3 that the city will need a phased approach to satisfy MDNR SRF requirements and reduce sanitary sewer overflows.
Hernandez recommended first rehabilitating or replacing old clay lines in the collection system and addressing private‑side sources where feasible. He noted that after addressing collection‑system clay pipes the city should consider peak flow management at the wastewater treatment facility (additional storage, blending, and land application) and collection system capacity improvements such as relief mains and localized storage.
Hernandez outlined the MDNR SRF funding pathway, explaining SRF loans and grants are available but typically require a facility plan, identification of project costs, and — for SRF grant eligibility — bond approval by voters; he said the process can take several years from planning to close of funding and construction. To continue community discussion and planning the board set an SRF workshop for Monday, March 17, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., to precede the regular board meeting at 7:00 p.m.
The engineer’s presentation frames a long‑term capital program rather than an immediate construction contract; voters and further design work would be required before major projects proceed.
