Using $500,000 in two grants, the city of Eagle River has eliminated all lead service lines to private homes within the city at no cost to homeowners or city taxpayers.
The news was one of the highlights of the city council meeting last Tuesday with congratulations handed out to many city employees who were part of this effort.
Alderman Gerry Burkett gave great credit to city administrator Joe Laux who he called a “master of grants” in this effort. Laux gave credit to many others involved. “This project started with the Governor and legislature that made the money available through the DNR,” Laux said. “The utility commission supported this as did the utility crew who did all the inspections.
Jim Bollmann of MSA Engineering did a great job putting grant applications together.” Laux indicated they received a $300,000 grant and a $200,000 grant and replaced 50 lead services. There was absolutely no cost the the homeowners other than replacement disruption. Laux said there are nine commercial properties with lead services lines not eligible for the program.
