Idaho DEQ Asks for Public’s Feedback on Multi-Million Dollar Water Projects

BOISE, Idaho (Press Release)— The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking public comment on its proposed plans to fund wastewater and drinking water construction projects eligible for state grants and loans in fiscal year 2017 beginning July 1, 2016.

Proposed loan funding totals $38 million for wastewater projects and $24 million for drinking water projects.

The Clean Water Intended Use Plan lists a total of 14 wastewater construction projects for which loans were requested. Requests total approximately $92 million.

The Drinking Water Intended Use Plan lists a total of 11 drinking water construction projects for which loans were requested. Requests total approximately $24 million.

The interest rate on state loans for water improvement projects will range from 1.50% to 3.00% through FY 2017 ending June 30, 2017.

Requests for 26 wastewater planning grants and 17 drinking water planning grants are listed. Available funding totals $250,000 for wastewater planning grants and $350,000 for drinking water planning grants.

Final proposed rankings will be submitted to the Board of Environmental Quality for approval at its May meeting.

The lists may be viewed at DEQ’s state office in Boise and on DEQ’s website (download at right). Letter of Interest ratings for FY 2017 are available for review on DEQ's FTP site atftp://public:public@ftp.deq.idaho.gov/FY2017LOIRatings.

Written comments will be accepted through April 19, 2016, at 5 p.m. MDT.

Submit comments electronically on DEQ’s website or by mail, fax, or e-mail to:

Tim Wendland
Water Quality Division
DEQ State Office
1410 N. Hilton
Boise, ID 83706
Fax: (208) 373-0576
E-mail: tim.wendland@deq.idaho.gov