Easley Combined Utilities seeks SRF loan to replace aging sewer lines; council asked to authorize application

Easley Combined Utilities presented resolution 202610 asking council to authorize an application to the State Revolving Fund (SRF) to finance replacement of aging sewer infrastructure.

Andy, speaking for the utility, said the project targets multiple segments of line feeding the Middle Branch plant and that the design is roughly 60% complete. He described the scope as several miles of line — middle branch around 1.8 miles, one segment about 1.2 miles and Brushy Creek about 1.6 miles — and noted many of the existing pipes are clay with 50–60 year service lives.

Andy described SRF loan terms the utility hopes to secure: "We're looking to get a loan with SRF for 30 years at 2.9%." He said the city would file the application, receive bids in summer, the commission would accept bids and council would return for first and second readings of an implementing ordinance that includes actual dollar amounts.

Staff said the average loading to the Middle Branch wastewater plant is roughly 2 million gallons per day and emphasized the project is proactive to avoid future environmental incidents. The SRF request included a not‑to‑exceed figure of $19 million; Andy said they hope the final number will be well below that cap.

Council and staff discussed related grant efforts: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding is being pursued for smaller, targeted work (near Stewart Drive) and the city has applied for multiple grants over recent years, receiving a portion of requested funds. Staff noted CDBG grants are not loans and require matching funds.

The resolution asks council to permit Easley Combined Utilities to submit the SRF application; the transcript records the presentation and discussion but does not record the council's final vote on resolution 202610 in the provided segments.