Urgently needing to replace a sewer system lift station on the
northern part of town and lacking the local funds to do so, Seymour’s mayor
and city council turned to the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED)
for help. Today, the IDED responded with an announcement that it will send
$138,000 in federal aid.
“Seymour’s north lift station is hanging on by a wing and a prayer. When the station fails, there are the risks of backup and the cost burden of trucking waste from the failed station to the lagoon,” explained Tracy Daugherty Miller, Executive Director of Chariton Valley Planning and Development. “The mayor and council were very anxious to secure funding to replace the station before it fails and the grant is great news.”
After reviewing Seymour’s request for help, IDED awarded a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to assist with the repairs. The federal funds will help Seymour keep the costs for sewer utility service affordable for residents while making the necessary improvements.
According to the engineer working on the sewer system, Nancy Huisman, PE of Hall Engineering, Seymour will repair the sewer system by first replacing the north lift station and then replacing gate valves at the lagoon. The improvements will reduce risk of sewer backup problems for residents and businesses by replacing obsolete equipment. Final engineering will begin immediately with construction to start this fall.
Application for federal assistance was coordinated through Chariton Valley Planning and Development.
Seymour’s grant is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Applications are solicited annually by IDED, usually during the fall. The grants are awarded based on the need and potential impact for the project, benefit to low- and moderate-income persons, and commitment of local resources to the project.