Town to start process to build new sewer plant

Coulee Dam expects to award a construction contract in late March to build a new multimillion dollar wastewater treatment plant, the mayor and consulting engineers told the town council Wednesday.

The town got a “verbal OK” earlier in the day from the Colville Tribes’ planning department following a unanimous vote during its meeting with Varela and Associates, the engineers on the project. The matter will still need a formal vote of the Colville Business Council later this month.

The project plan had also seen a quick turnaround after submission to the funding agency, Mayor Greg Wilder said. The Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Fund will grant the town $1.52 million in funds it won’t have to repay, plus a 40-year loan of $4.7 million.

Wilder said he expects the agency to authorize the town “within days” to call for bids on the project.

Wilder and the engineers presented a lengthy presentation of the specifics of the plan.

The town in 2015 actually lowered user fees from $70 to $56 per ERU but expects the rate to rise after construction to $58 to $68. It could go to $72 if Elmer City decides to build its own facility in coming years.