~courtesy of The Scranton Journal
The Scranton City Council will hold two public hearings next week. Both are slated to begin at 6 pm on Tuesday, Feb. 14, in the City Council Chambers.
One hearing is on the zoning ordinances. Following comments from the public, the council is expected to take action on the proposed ordinance. The proposed ordinances can be viewed at City Hall or online at www.scrantoniowa.com
Another hearing is to review and receive comments on a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and low interest loan from the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) for improvements to the wastewater treatment system.
The need for the project was identified in an October 2016 facility plan. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is requiring that the project be completed so the city will be in compliance with the new effluent ammonia limits in its NPDES permit.
The project will include the conversion of the existing aerated lagoon to an enhanced aerated lagoon with the addition of a SAGR system and additional UV disinfection for new e-coli limits. Four other alternatives were considered, but it was determined that the chosen alternative was the most cost-effective.
The estimated cost of the project is $2,157,133. On or before April 1, 2017, the city will apply for a CDBG in the amount of $300,000. If approved, at least $204,000 of this amount, or 68 percent, will benefit low and moderate income households in Scranton. Without grant funds, the average monthly household sewer charge will increase approximately $38. With grant funds, the average will be approximately $33.
The city has also applied for a 2.00 percent loan through the Iowa Finance Authority for the full cost of the project.
The project is expected to begin July 1, 2018, and be completed by October 1, 2019. The Iowa Economic Development Authority is expected to make a decision on the grant application by July 1, 2017.
