Council votes 3-2 to seek design funds for new plant

It's not a definitive decision, but the Cathlamet Town Council authorized the town's consulting engineers to apply for federal grant funds to start the design of a new wastewater treatment plant.

Town officials this spring pulled back from choosing a new plant over refurbishing the existing sewer lagoon plant because of the high cost. The project is estimated at $12 to $13 million, and with the current package of state and federal grants and financing, sewer system customers were looking at monthly rates of $100 or more to cover the town's share of the cost.

However, the state Department of Ecology has strongly hinted that the town could face sanctions if it doesn't replace the old plant.

It seems almost certain that the state will require the town to build a new plant, Mayor Dick Swart told the town council at its monthly meeting on Monday.

"The questions are when and how will we pay for it," he said.

It is possible the town could find additional funding, he said, but the town will need a complete design to compete for the grants.

"I feel this is the most prudent way for us to proceed," he said. He recommended the council authorize use of certain grant funds for the design work.

Council members debated the matter, acknowledging the state pressure for a new plant versus the potentially high cost.

"I guess Ecology doesn't give a damn how deep in debt Cathlamet has to go," said Council Member Bob Rendler.

"They probably wouldn't agree, but it would seem that way," Swart replied.

However, other officials supported the design work.

Public Works Superintendent David Vik commented that Ecology wants to see the old plant replaced.

"You've got to design it someday," Vik said. "For 20 years, it's been out of compliance. We could be subject to a third party lawsuit, and Ecology could order us to fix it. That happened to Pe Ell."

Former town attorney Fred Johnson said that in the past, Ecology funded projects that addressed the department's concerns.

"In reality, if you're a good little town, you'll make your case," he said. "If you resist, they'll bring out the hammer and say, 'Find the $12 million.'"

Council Member Wally Wright said the design would be a good investment. The town will have to pay $318,600 of the $718,000 design cost, he said, but in the long run, the town doubles its money and will get a good financial package.

Ken Alexander of Gray & Osborne, the consulting engineer, said the process has worked elsewhere. The firm recently worked with the Town of Warden which went through a similar process.

"You won't get the $13 million in one swoop," he added. "So you'll have to go to several sources. That's how the game is played. If you don't have the design, you can'tt get more money."

Wright's motion to support the design grant passed 3-2 with Wright, Bill Talbott and Steve McNicholas voting in favor and Rendler and David Goodroe opposing.