City sets sights on ARPA funding

The Sundance City Council has approved four applications to the State Loans and Investments Board (SLIB) for almost $2 million in project funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Three involve improvements to the city water system, while the fourth is for a capital improvement plan.

The intent of the capital improvement plan, according to the resolution, is “to map out future projects and development”. Explained Clerk Treasurer Kathy Lenz, it’s something SLIB likes to see a city complete in order to set its priorities for the near future.

It is also used by SLIB itself when considering funding, she said, because the board likes to see a governing body concentrate on completing the top priorities on its list.

The city has requested $50,000 through the Water and Sewer ARPA Grant program for the capital improvement plan.

The first of the three water-related applications is to fix a major water leak on 3rd Street. An estimated 50,000 gallons of water is being lost every day through this leak.

The project would also see the water system on the south side of town connected to the north side for more efficient pressure for fire suppression.

This, said Mayor Paul Brooks, will, “Hopefully take out the worst remaining leak in our system.”

The city is asking for funding of $937,929 for this project, also through the Water and Sewer ARPA Grant program.

The second water-related application is to relocate a number of water service taps located on an old four-inch line on Cleveland Street. The city is asking for $616,524, again from the Water and Sewer ARPA Grant program.

Finally, the city is hoping to replace and update the only block on Ryan Street that still has old waterlines. The block is between 5th and 6th, said Public Works Director Mac Erickson.

The project would also see three existing water service lines reconnected and would include surface restoration.

This application, also through the Water and Sewer ARPA Grant program, is for $195,157.

The council approved the mayor’s signatures on all four applications.