CHANUTE — It’s time to bite the bullet and address the city’s outdated water and wastewater plants, Chanute City Manager Todd Newman told Chanute Commissioners last week.
“We have no choice. We’re lucky they’re still standing,” The Chanute Tribune reported Newman saying.
The projects have been delayed since 2010, Newman told commissioners. By now the wastewater plant no longer meets regulatory requirements.
Estimated costs are $26 million for water plant improvements and $36 million for wastewater upgrades, The Tribune reported.
Commissioners discussed funding options including state and federal loan programs and grants. Gradually raising water meter rates of $20 to $25 could generate between $850,000 to $1 million, the Tribune reported. Newman expected it would take 20 years to pay off the debt.
Commissioners said they will schedule a funding work session for sometime in March.
