State: Water projects won’t need environmental review

LINCOLN, Neb. — A $2.5 million project to improve and replace parts of McCook’s water system will have no significant environmental impact, according to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy.

The “categorical exclusion” from a full environmental review is open for public comment, however, since it is funded wholly or in part through tax dollars, according to NDEE officials.

The first project includes 2,500 feet of new 16-inch water main under West 5th street, and on East 14th street, replacement of 200 feet of 10-inch water main, 350 feet of 8-inch water main and an additional 1,000 feet of 6-inch water main.

The second project involves the replacement of a 12-inch water main on E. First from South Street to A Street, crossing the railroad tracks from the water treatment plant in south McCook.

The third is continuation of water main replacements on South Steet, replacing existing 6-inch water main with new 8-inch main from the city shop to the east side of Highway 83.

The total estimated cost is $2.486 million, but the city is eligible for possible loan forgiveness of 15% or up to $452,513 if funding is available and if the city decides to extend the prepayment clause of its existing Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan agreement for 10 years.

McCook’s typical residential connection is charged $18.82 per month with an added consumption charge of $1.92 for every 748 gallons of water used, resulting in an average monthly water bill of $31.65 for a typical 5,000-gallon monthly household water use.

Based on 3,602 active service connections, residential water rates may need to be raised approximately an additional $1.73 a month to pay for the new debt, according to the NDEE release.

Anyone who wishes to comment on the categorical exclusion determination is encouraged to submit them to Hillary Stoll, Engineering Section, NDEE at 402.471.4252 or email hillary.stoll@nebraska.gov, or John Danforth, State Revolving Fund Section, NDE at 402.471.3373 or email john.danforth@nebraska.gov

A copy of the categorical exclusion notification is available here.