Memorandum 12-107 Special Act Appropriations Project (SAAP) Grant for Water Distribution Improvements

CITY OF HOMER
PUBLIC WORKS TELEPHONE (907)235-3170
3575 HEATH STREET HOMER, AK 99603 FACSIMILE (907)235-3145
 

MEMORANDUM 12-107

TO: Walt Wrede, City Manager

FROM: Carey Meyer, Public Works Director

DATE: June 19, 2012

RE: EPA Special Act Appropriations Project (SAAP) Grant
Recommendation to Utilize Available Funding
Design of Water Distribution Improvements
__________________________________________________________________________________

Late in 2011, EPA indicated that federal grant monies were available to the City of Homer for use in completing the construction of a water/wastewater project. The amount of available funding was $485,000. These funds require a 45% matching contribution.

Since that time, EPA has clarified that the purpose of the grant funds is to design a drinking water project. Therefore, the monies can’t be utilized as Public Works had originally been told (the funds cannot be secured as approved by the Council in Resolution 11-107 for the construction of the Kachemak Drive (Phase II) water and sewer project).

Public Works proposes to utilize these funds to complete the design of water distribution projects that reduce operation and maintenance costs. These projects include:

• Design of the removal of the redwood tank (old tank near the new treatment plant)
• Design of the Kachemak Drive (Phase III) water main extension; to eliminate long dead end mains (connect Phase I with Phase II).
• Design of the Homer Water Distribution/Storage Improvements (connecting the water distribution system across Shellfish Avenue, design of new tank, abandonment of the old “A” Frame tank, evaluation of micro-hydro project). Note: Design of this project will increase chances of obtaining ADEC grant monies for construction. The project ranked #8 on the Alaska Drinking Water Fund priority list; #1 thru #7 ranked high enough to secure available monetary assistance.
• Design of other small projects intended to reduce water main flushing and operation/maintenance costs.

Recommendations: The City Council pass a resolution authorizing the City Manager to re-apply for the EPA SAAP grant and execute a grant agreement for the Design of Various Water Distribution/Storage Improvement projects.