The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) notified by email the City of Primghar on Thursday February 9, 2023 that the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) was awarded $300,000 to further reduce the cost to taxpayers to improve and expands its waste capacity. Primghar was awarded the maximum available to a community of its population size.
Primghar has been developing increased sewer lagoon capacity for more than 2 years. Three designs and technology choices were presented and questioned. Council ultimately decided to improve the aeration system, polishers and disinfection step, and make it expandable without building an additional cell. The water treatment plan was approved September 2022. This plan also allows the city to meet new regulations and guidelines coming. City Administrator Carol Chicoine was very excited about receiving this award.
The increased capacity is measured in two ways: BOD or biological oxygen demand (organic pollution in the water) or flow rate. The current permitted capacity of flow for Primghar is 122,400 gallons per day. The upgrades will increase that flow to 517,000 gpd.
The BOD current permitted capacity is 163 pounds per day. After the upgrades the new capacity will reach 760 pounds per day.
Primghar’s water rates were increased 2 years ago, to help fund this project. The cost of this project is $6,561,000. This grant awards $300,000 to the city to help reduce the debt financing that may be required to pay for it. Bidding on work for this project begins in April or May with contracts being let in June. Construction start is possibly in the fall.
Seven projects throughout Iowa were awarded funds from the 4th quarter Water/Sewer fund. The awards totaled $2,446,500. Eleven applications for these funds were submitted with a total ask of more than $4 million.
CDBG is a federally funded grant program administered by the states. Iowa Economic Development Authority is Iowa’s administrator for this program. This program goal is to provide economic opportunities for people, especially those of low and moderate income.