Smelterville, CSCWD selected for state funding

BOISE — One Shoshone County city and another taxing district were among 26 drinking water and wastewater systems that will receive state funding.

On Monday, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced the awarding of $1,681,466 to help the 26 different entities’ facilities evaluate system deficiencies and determine necessary upgrades as part of Gov. Brad Little’s “Leading Idaho” plan.

The two local agencies named in the release were the Central Shoshone County Water and Sewer District and the city of Smelterville. Both will be spending their money on testing to identify where their systems can be improved.

Central Shoshone County Water and Sewer District in Shoshone County was awarded $132,500 to prepare a drinking water planning study to evaluate the current drinking water system and identify needed improvements. The total eligible project cost is $265,000, and the remaining $132,500 will be funded by Central Shoshone County Water and Sewer District.

The city of Smelterville in Shoshone County was awarded $40,000 to prepare a wastewater planning study to evaluate the current wastewater system and identify needed improvements. The total eligible project cost is $80,000, and the remaining $40,000 will be funded by the city of Smelterville.

“Families, farmers, ranchers, and all Idaho residents rely on clean, efficient water and wastewater systems. These systems are not only a crucial part of our way of life, but our economy as well. Funding for these projects from my Leading Idaho plan aims to ensure that Idaho residents — especially those in our rural communities — can depend on our water and wastewater infrastructure for generations to come,” Little said.