Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Hoping work to start next summer
PALOUSE – Improving water mains on three streets in Palouse continues planning with a concern for rising material costs.
The city is looking to find funding to help pay $1 million to improve the Church Street, Culton Street, and H Street water mains.
"We were hoping to move and be shovel ready by at least next summer," he said Mayor Chris Cook.
TD&H Engineering was hired to help the city find funding and facilitate the project.
When pursuing construction funding, TD&H Engineering representative Michelle Bly said they should pursue funds 40% greater than the construction estimates due to rising material costs.
"It's troubling right now and I hope the market will adjust, as it stands right now, there's potential for some issues," said Cook. "We are optimistic and hopeful that they will help us find the funding for the elevated costs we are starting to see."
Council members suggested moving forward in obtaining funding.
The construction plans for the work were submitted to the state Department of Health. Bly told the council they are waiting to hear if there are any comments or concerns.
Money from a Whitman County Public Works Trust Fund loan expires June 30 and the city needs to submit requests for reimbursement before this deadline. TD&H Engineering did not use the full amount of their contract with the city.
"Part of our water plan has been to address improvements," said Cook. "We have been working hard as we improve our infrastructure."
Bill Stevenson is the former editor of the Whitman County Gazette, Colfax Daily Bulletin and Franklin Connection. He has nearly 30 years of journalism experience covering news in Eastern Washington.
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