Iowa Success Stories
Financing know-how helps community address failed wastewater system
Where:
Dolliver, a small rural community in
northwest Iowa
Problem:
Failed wastewater treatment systems
Solution:
MAP is helping Dolliver access
financing to build a new wastewater system.
Dolliver is a tiny rural community with a population of 77 in northwest Iowa only a few miles from the Minnesota border. It sits between two EPA-designated impaired waterways, and its failed wastewater treatment systems have ranked the town as the state’s highest priority in Emmet County for communities without sewers. Midwest Assistance Program’s Resource Development Advisor Randy Finholt met with council members in April 2007 to explain the assistance MAP provides for water and wastewater issues.
Based on census data, the community was clearly eligible to apply for USDA Rural Development grant and loan assistance. Because of location and possible drainage patterns, Finholt found that Dolliver also was eligible for an Iowa watershed grant of up to $500,000. The community applied for a Community Development Block Grant in November. Receiving at least two of these grants would be ideal to keep sewer rates under $40 a month.
Another major stakeholder in the project was the local rural water district, Iowa Lakes Regional Water. Iowa Lakes made a tentative commitment to own and operate a new wastewater treatment system if the town will sign a franchise agreement and vote for the project through a franchise election. Finholt made it very clear to the council that a contract with Iowa Lakes would greatly enhance their grant opportunities.
In early December, Finholt informed council members of the need for a mandatory connection ordinance. This would ensure a lower monthly rate and prevent future problems.
Discussions with Iowa Lakes have been very rewarding, and the town is positioned for considerable financial assistance.
For more information, contact:
Phone: 952-758-4334
Fax: 952-758-4336
E-mail: map@map-inc.org
MAP is a member of the RCAP network and an equal-opportunity lender, provider and employer.