By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The first steps towards applying for a state revolving fund (SRF) loan to pay for renovation of the Hays wastewater treatment plant were approved unanimously Thursday night by city commissioners.

Johnny O’Connor, Assistant Director of Utilities, described approval of the three agenda items as “housekeeping” in the process of a potential SRF application. None of the changes affect the project cost.

Olathe-based HDR Engineering is the city’s owner-representative for the $30 million project.

“Planning is in motion for construction and upgrade of the wastewater facility,” O’Connor said.

“Preliminary estimates indicate a total cost of $30 million. The Kansas State Revolving Loan Fund is the most cost-effective option to fund this project. Given the fund includes federal dollars, there are many requirements,” he explained.

City Commissioner Henry Schwaller pointed out the city is not yet obligated to proceed with the SRF.

“We are merely looking at this as one of many options to potentially fund the wastewater plant. We’re just getting everything lined up but if we do seek this option, we’ve done all our due diligence and we’ll be ready to launch. If not, we’re not out of anything. We’ll still have other options available,” Schwaller said.

August 13 was set as the public hearing date to review with the public the purpose and recommendations of the wastewater facility plan. A public meeting about the project will also be held during the commission’s July 16 work session.

The project must be completed by 2018 to adhere to stricter Kansas Department of Health and Environment effluent requirements.

The city was fined $18,000 last year by the Environmental Protection Agency for excessive ammonia levels in 2012.

The Hays wastewater treatment plant was built in the early 1950s.