The Lewiston City Council has accepted funds from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to help address water issues.
During a council meeting last (Mon) night, Public Works Director Dustin Johnson said the agency has provided the city a $225,000 loan with a 0% interest rate and 100% principal forgiveness from its emergency fund.
The city has been seeking financial assistance from state and federal sources since High Reservoir failed Jan. 18.
The repairs of the 4.5 million gallon reservoir are expected to cost about $3 million, last roughly 20 years and enable the reservoir to serve the same function for the city it did before it ruptured.
Contractors are installing a liner in the reservoir along with a floating lid in a project officials hope will be completed by the end of July. Once repairs are complete the city plans to lift its current irrigation restrictions for most city of Lewiston water users.
