Funding Package Coming Soon

SEELEY LAKE - Managers for the Seeley Lake Sewer District (SLSD) updated the board on the funding package from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development (RD) at their Jan. 21 meeting. The board also discussed their vacant board position.

According to District Manager Greg Robertson, the federal budget deal that was passed in late Dec. 2015 contained funding through RD for Seeley’s sewer project. In the last month, RD has been allocating funds to the states.

The RD informed Robertson that a 26-page funding package has been prepared for the SLSD and should be delivered by the end of Jan. A meeting between the SLSD, RD, Great West Engineering and the bond counsel will be scheduled in February to discuss the conditions of the funding.

The RD funding, consisting of part grant and part loan, will fund the construction of the proposed wastewater treatment plant and Phase I of the collection system.

Phase I of the collections system includes all commercial property on the east side of Highway 83, between Cedar Lane and Redwood Lane. Also included are all properties between Tamarack Drive and Highway 83 that are north of Redwood Lane and south of Larch Lane, including all properties fronting Larch Lane and Pine Drive, north to Cedar Lane.

Robertson has also been meeting with the bond council to work out how the district will repay the loans to RD. He indicated that there are several ways this can be accomplished. Robertson hopes to be able to discuss those options at next month’s meeting.

When asked if district landowners would get to vote on the project Robertson explained that it is dependent on what process of assessment is taken.

“Regardless of what process [in assessing landowners], whether it’s a public vote or a protest, there is the ability for ratepayers within the district to protest,” said Robertson. “Either way people are going to have a voice. It’s not going to be slipped under the rug.”

In other business, the district still has a vacant board position. Nobody applied for the position in the November election so it is up to the board to fill the spot by appointment.

Seeley Lake resident Davy Good has submitted an application for consideration.

“I think as long as he is capable of being objective in his views, you should interview him. I think that’s wise,” said Robertson. “Make sure he is going to fit in with your culture.”

The next regular sewer district board meeting is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Missoula County Satellite Office. However, due to a scheduling conflict for the managers, it may be changed. Look for notice of that change and other special meetings in future editions of the Pathfinder and posted at the Seeley Lake Post Office, Lazy Pine Mall and Cory’s Valley Market.