N. Idaho systems awarded DEQ grants

A trio of North Idaho systems are among the half-dozen selected for grants to fund studies to evaluate community drinking water and wastewater systems.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality announced the award of $191,300 to six drinking water and wastewater systems on Wednesday. Among those selected for a grant were the Sagle Valley Water and Sewer District in Bonner County, the Curley Creek Water Association in Boundary County and the Kingston Water District in Shoshone County.

The funds would be used by the systems to evaluate deficiencies and determine necessary upgrades, as part of Idaho Gov. Brad Little’s “Leading Idaho” plan.

“Families, farmers, ranchers, and all Idaho residents rely on clean, efficient water and wastewater systems,” Little said. “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.”

The Sagle Valley Water and Sewer District was awarded $30,000 to prepare a drinking water planning study. The study, which would evaluate the current drinking water system, also would identify needed improvements. The project will cost an estimated $60,000, with the remaining $30,000 will be funded by SVWSD.

Boundary County’s Curley Creek Water Association was awarded $17,800 to prepare a drinking water planning study and environmental review. The study would evaluate the current drinking water system and identify needed improvements. The remainder of the $35,600 would be funded by the USDA.

Kingston Water District, located in Shoshone County was awarded $48,500 to prepare a drinking water planning study. The study would evaluate the district’s system and identify improvements. The remainder of the $97,000 project will be funded by Kingston Water District.

Also receiving grants were the city of Lava Hot Springs in Bannock County, $30,000; the city of Ashton in Fremont County, $30,000; the Aspen Hollow Homeowner’s Association in Blaine County, $35,000.

The DEQ program helps eligible wastewater and drinking water systems by providing grants to help fund engineering reports that identify cost-effective, and environmentally sound ways to upgrade systems while maintaining compliance with state and federal standards.