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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DNRC & DEQ Announce Completion of $265,200 SRF Drinking
Water Loan to the Town of Sheridan
Sheridan, Mont. - The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
(DNRC), Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD), and the
Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced today the
completion of a $265,200 loan to the community of Sheridan. The
twenty-year, low interest, loan has been made available through the Water
Revolving Fund (WRF) Loan Program, a federally subsidized loan program
administered by the DNRC and DEQ.
The loan is being put to good use, according to Sheridan Mayor, Chris
Mumme. The grant was used to replace the old water transmission
line from the town's water storage tanks to the community.
The lines, which were wooden, were replaced with a new 14" PVC transmission
line. "The project entailed the laying of almost one mile of
PVC line near the old transmission line. The grant assisted in the
costs associated with the construction and the line itself," Mumme
explained.
The need for the new transmission line was obvious, according to Mumme.
"Our contracted engineering firm calculated that the old transmission
line was leaking so bad that we were losing between 100-120 gallons per
minute of water every day due to the number of leaks in the old line,"
he explained. "This new line will make a huge difference in
the amount of water available to residents as well as for general water
conservation." In addition to the line, the grant assisted
the community in installing a flow meter on the system to assist in the
management of the town's groundwater source.
"This new line is wonderful, but it really is just the start to the
renovations that we need to make to our drinking water system," Mumme
continued. According to Mumme, a long range plan is in place
to renovate and develop Sheridan's drinking water and wastewater systems
to comply with state and federal guidelines, but more importantly, provide
continued service to its customers.
The CARDD of the DNRC has been providing low interest loans to cities,
towns and water/sewer districts throughout Montana since 1991. Anna Miller,
CARDD Financial Advisor, explained that during fiscal year 2003, CARDD
financed 20 projects for a total of $26 million. "We help entities
facilitate the rehabilitation of their existing water or sewer systems
in the most cost effective manner so that the end user has the least cost
burden," she stated.
The DNRC works cooperatively with the Department of Environmental Quality
(DEQ) to ensure that projects meet state requirements for water infrastructure
requirements.
For more information regarding the Conservation and Resource Development
Division or the State Revolving Fund Program, contact Anna Miller at (406)
444-6689.
###DNRC####
DNRC-Helping ensure Montana's land and water resources provide benefits
for present and future generations
