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Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009

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Report finds city needs to put $28M into water systems

By Dalina Castellanos, Herald staff writer

The city of Pasco needs to invest more than $28 million over the next six years on its water treatment and distribution systems to meet regulatory requirements, according to a report presented to the city council Monday.

Anthony Krutsch of CH2M Hill, who developed the comprehensive plan, said the city's growth has put a strain on its only treatment plant, and the addition of the new $11 million water treatment plant will add to the water capacity on the west side of town. It's expected to be operational next year.

"You've taken aggressive responsibility in protecting the citizens," said Krutsch of Pasco's ability to provide low-cost service to its growing population.

Revenue bonds are financing the project, said City Manager Gary Crutchfield.

A possible rate increase in the next couple of years would help pay it off, but it would continue to be less than $1 per 100 cubic feet, Crutchfield said. Pasco's current rate is 54 cents per 100 cubic feet.

Also Monday:

w City officials discussed raising golf cart shed annual fees from $350 to $450 to pay for upgraded facilities. New garage doors have been installed and the sheds have been painted, reported Rick Terway, administrative and community services director.

w The council discussed the 2010-14 Tri-Cities consolidated plan. The plan is a federal requirement acting as an application for community block grants and more, said Angela Pitman, Pasco's block grant administrator.

w Mayor Joyce Olson chastised Tom Larsen when he asked to reconsider a special permit for Planned Parenthood. Motions cannot be passed during workshop meetings, Larsen was reminded. The next meeting will be Monday, she said.

The Pasco Planning Commission last month denied a special permit for a Planned Parenthood clinic. Planned Parenthood filed an appeal to get permission to open a women's health care clinic at a building on Court Street the organization bought in May.



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