Rock Island sewage treatment plant gets funding nod

ROCK ISLAND — Rock Island is one step closer to having a finished sewage treatment plant.

On Tuesday, the state Department of Ecology announced that it has recommended awarding the city $1,618,030 to finish the plant. Funding depends on the final state supplemental budget for 2012.

The city’s project ranked sixth out of 100 projects, said Joseph Coppo, state revolving fund planner for the DOE.

“It stands a very good chance of getting through because they rated so highly on the list,” Coppo said, noting that, if funding comes in less than expected, it would affect projects lower down on the priority list.

The state and federal funding also includes a $853,154 loan at 2.3 percent interest for 20 years, Coppo said.

Rock Island Mayor Russell Clark said the funding will allow the city to complete the plant, which, he estimated, is 65 percent finished now. The funding also will allow contractors to install lines to houses from the main line, and will pay for septic system decommissioning.

He said the plant will allow looser restrictions on lot sizes and will eliminate the need for septic systems in a city with gravel soil.

Clark said he hopes the plant will be up and running by late summer. Bills for being on city sewer will run about $70 per month.

Dee Riggs: 664-7147

deeriggs@wenatcheeworld.com

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Rock Island sewage treatment plant gets funding nod