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Seldovia council accepts $1.16 million EPA grant to replace leaking raw-water line
Summary
The Seldovia City Council on June 16 approved Resolution 25-53 accepting an EPA community grant of $1,160,000 to replace a failing lower raw water transmission line; the $1.45 million project includes a $250,000 state match and $40,000 local contribution. The council authorized issuing a draft RFP pending EPA approval.
The Seldovia City Council voted unanimously Monday to accept a $1,160,000 Environmental Protection Agency community grant to replace a deteriorating lower raw-water transmission line that city officials said dates to the 1960s.
City Manager Heidi told the council the project estimate is $1,450,000 and that the funding package includes a $250,000 state match and a $40,000 local contribution from the city’s major maintenance and repair fund. “This grant from them is, again, in $1,160,000,” Heidi said, adding that the draft request for proposals is already prepared and awaiting EPA review.
The replacement will be carried out as a design‑build project, the city said, to help contain costs and shorten schedule. Heidi said the work targets thin‑walled steel piping near the raw-water intake that has leaked repeatedly and required interim repairs. “We’ve had to do a few repairs in the last year,” she said, “but we need to replace this infrastructure.”
Mayor and councilors pressed for clarity on schedule and permitting; Heidi said permitting (including DEC approvals) and the proposals the city receives will determine the timeline, with an engineering estimate of about a year but a hope the work could be completed more quickly. The council authorized staff to issue the RFP after EPA approval of the draft, and approved Resolution 25‑53 by voice vote, 5–0.
Why it matters: The line feeds the drinking‑water system; officials said a full replacement reduces the risk of continued leaks, emergency repairs and water‑service interruptions for residents and businesses. The project also leverages federal and state support, limiting the city’s up‑front burden to the local contribution.
Next steps: The city will transmit the draft RFP to the EPA for final approval and then solicit design‑build proposals. Councilors and staff said they plan to review bids and pursue value engineering where feasible to keep the work within the budget estimate.
Votes and motions: Resolution 25‑53 was moved by Councilor Peyton and seconded by Councilor Keith Lee; the council approved the resolution 5–0.
