Septic Replacement Meeting 11-01-23

by | Nov 12, 2023 | News, Septic replacement

Attendees:
Lisa-Ann Oliver, Flaura’s Acres
Tom Noonan, Flaura’s Acres
Cynthia Fuller, Commerce, Small Communities Initiative Program

Sewer Project

  • Design work is completed and submitted to City. City will not issue an approval until the permit fee is paid. Permit fee will be paid when funding is obtained for the project.
  • United Engineering provided an updated engineer’s estimate. The project cost is $1.9M.
    • Connection fees are $11,322 per home, but may be negotiable.
    • Decommissioning of the individual tanks is $450/home.
    • Sewer fees will be $96/month per household.

Funding

  • Next steps are to conduct an income survey of the residents to establish the median household income (MHI). This is a very important step as it will assist in determining the eligibility for grant funding and lower interest rates on any loan funds.
  • Cynthia will reach out to Rural Assistance Corporation (RCAC) to see if they have the capacity to assist with an income survey.
  •  Potential funding sources for construction:
        • Ecology
          • City or County would have to apply on behalf of the HOA
          • Prerequisite for construction funding is an approved design (by an Ecology engineer)
          • Applications are accepted beginning August of each year
          • Funding typically doesn’t get under contract until the following September
          • Ecology has both principal forgiveness and grant opportunities, as well as lower interest rates for communities that qualify for hardship.
        • USDA Rural Development
          • Applications accepted year-round.
          • HOA is eligible to apply
          • More upfront work and costs than other funding programs.
          • A portion of the project might be eligible for loan.
          • All loan funds must be spent before any grant funds can be utilized.
        • Public Works Board
          • City or County would have to apply on behalf of the HOA.
          • Applications accepted in the spring.
          • Funds are awarded more quickly
          • State funds, so less prerequisites.
          • Generally loan funds with very low interest rates, but there are some opportunities for principal forgiveness depending on hardship situation.

Next Meeting
November 15, 2023 at 9 am