Small Town News

Savage seeks grants to replace sewer lagoon

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In order to replace the growing inadequate sewer lagoon in Savage, the Richland County commissioners and county planner Marcy Hamburg are working to find grants to fund the project.

Hamburg told county commissioners Monday about a state funding workshop held last week in Billings. The workshop provided information on water and sewer projects including, before qualifying for state grants, the township must first meet the state rate for waste water that is currently at $24.08 a year.

That means raising rates for Savage residents. "In order to increase rates, you have to do it through a vote," said Hamburg, if it's a district.

Savage previously held a public meeting to notify the residents of an increase in rates. "Everybody was sent a letter so they were notified in writing that there was going to be an increase," commissioner Don Steppler said. The next step is to get an estimated budget proposal for the total cost of the project, Hamburg said.

She noted the county could qualify for various grants that are offered through the 9tate to help pay for the sewer lagoon. These include feasibility grants, architectural grants, engineering grants and construction grants. "You can go after funding for all of those, and then you just have to meet a certain match that you have for each one," she said.

Hamburg said she would move forward with applying for grants with any matches coming back to the commissioners for approval before sending off applications.



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© 2010 Sidney Herald Sidney, Montana. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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