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Soda Springs council hears updates on sewer lateral costs, SRF review requirements and trail work
Summary
Council was updated on sewer lateral replacement cost estimates for residents (roughly $3,000–$3,500 average cited), contractor approvals for water and sewer materials, an expected energy-efficiency study under a grant, and trail planning constrained by Army Corps and railroad property.
City staff provided a multi-part infrastructure update at the April 1 meeting covering sewer laterals, water/sewer materials approvals, an awarded energy-efficiency study grant, and trail work at Leisure Creek.
Director Squires said the city obtained final cost estimates for residents’ sewer lateral replacement and plans to conduct door-to-door outreach in the coming weeks; he described an average resident cost in the range of $3,000 to $3,500 but said some runs (longer than 90 feet) could be much more. Squires said the city plans to offer a financing option described in the meeting as a split-cost plan (“split the cost of 36”), and that it was “not a requirement” for residents to replace laterals at this time but a city suggestion. (The transcript language about the financing term is not explicit on whether “36” refers to months or another unit.)
Staff reported materials proposals for water and sewer were approved that morning, allowing parts to be ordered and work to proceed. Squires said a contractor is scheduled for rail-adjacent work the week of May 18 and that coordination with rail professionals is underway.
On grant and environmental compliance, staff warned that DEQ has changed requirements for State Revolving Fund (SRF) loans: environmental-review documents must be in place before applying for SRF funds. Squires said staff will schedule follow-up calls with consultants and partners to complete required environmental assessments so projects remain eligible for state revolving funds.
Trail and park updates included progress on the Leisure Creek project (sand placement ~75% complete) and discussion of connecting trails where wetlands and railroad-owned property constrain alignment; staff said some connections will rely on city-owned land to avoid complex easement negotiations and high wetland mitigation costs.
Council members asked staff to provide written outreach materials for residents affected by lateral work and to follow up with exact financing terms, SRF delivery steps and the Army Corps timeline for lifting the cease-and-desist on lower trail work.
