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Drummond council approves WRDA filing and advances $8.35 million wastewater upgrade plan
Summary
The Drummond Town Council on Nov. 19 approved a WRDA Section 595 funding submission and a Northwestern Energy agreement as part of steps to advance an estimated $8.35 million wastewater treatment upgrade. The council discussed routing power lines, project schedule and multiple funding sources.
Mayor Gail Leeper and the Town Council on Nov. 19 approved a pair of resolutions to advance the Town of Drummond’s planned wastewater treatment facility improvements, including authorizing submission of a WRDA Section 595 funding request and approving a Northwestern Energy customer agreement.
Engineer Jason Crawford of Triple Tree Engineering distributed project talking points and told the council the full project estimate is about $8.35 million, which includes a roughly $670,000 contingency. Crawford described the project’s funding strategy as layered: USDA Rural Development engagement, a pending CDBG application for $750,000, a draft WRDA Section 595 request for UV treatment and fencing, and documentation related to ARPA Local Fiscal Recovery funds. Crawford said DEQ/SRF comments had been addressed and he expects DEQ/SRF approval in January 2025.
Council Member O'Dell asked whether utility lines for the wastewater upgrade could be placed underground. "Could lines be placed underground?" he asked, prompting an exchange with Engineer Crawford about the higher cost and separate risks of undergrounding. Crawford and the council agreed underground conduits would raise project cost and introduce different maintenance and construction risks.
The council voted to approve Resolution No. 2024-18 (Northwestern Energy Customer Agreement Notification #340200068) and Resolution No. 2024-19 (authorization to submit a WRDA Section 595 funding application). The WRDA funding request letter, drafted by Engineer Koon, was presented as a draft ready for signatures; Attorney McGill cautioned that only minor non-contractual edits should be made without returning to the council. The resolutions passed by unanimous voice vote ("all yeas, none opposed").
Crawford outlined an anticipated schedule in the project exhibit: DEQ/SRF approval expected January 2025; notification of CDBG award expected by February 2025; bidding in February 2025 (bids cannot be issued before CDBG notification); construction beginning April 2025; substantial completion projected October 2025; and project closeout by December 2025. The exhibit also noted that UV treatment and fencing components could extend into 2026 depending on timing and funding.
The council and staff discussed nearby project needs and compliance: Clerk/Treasurer Robin Wight will work with Triple Tree Engineering on SLFRF/ARPA reporting requirements; the town will prepare required documentation for USDA RD and other funders; and DEQ will inspect the lagoon on Dec. 5, 2024 as part of ongoing oversight.
The council’s approvals advance the town’s ability to seek grant and loan funding and to proceed with design, but formal construction award and final contract terms remain subject to required funding notifications and future council approvals.
