City to re-hab water, sewer systems

RITZVILLE — The city’s water and sewer system will be getting an overhaul after receiving U.S. Department of Agriculture funds.

A USDA Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program awarded the city just over $7 million.

The funding includes $3.4 million in loan funds and almost $3.9 million in grants, designated for potable water, Mayor Gary Cook said.

The funds will provide for construction of a new municipal well and funds house, he said.

The money will also pay for rehabilitation of two existing wells, re-coating the existing water reservoir, distribution system updates, manholes, fire hydrants and booster pumps, he said.

Funding will also cover installation of a new electrical panel and fence at the Koch Well Pump Station.

Cook said stop-gap funding for water and sewer projects also came in from the Department of Ecology in the amount of $3.2 million; about 45% in loan and 55% in grants.

Additionally, a Community Development Block Grant of about $650,000 — which is 100% grant funds — will be used specifically for the Pete’s Lift Station on the sewer system.

Cook said those funds would be tapped before any Department of Ecology money.