City seeks USDA funds to make updates

The Pea Ridge City Council held a public hearing at 3 p.m. on Friday, March 10, with regards to applying for USDA/Rural Development funds to update wastewater treatment in town. City Clerk Sandy Button says the money will be used to remodel the current treatment facility on Clark Street.

No residents appeared to comment and the council unanimously voted to apply for funding.

Council members also approved Resolution No. 400, resolving to utilize state aid street money to repair infrastructure in town — most notably, Green Street, John W. Montgomery Circle and North and South Harvey Wakefield Avenue.

State Aid Street Program funds will pay for 100 percent of the preliminary reconstruction/resurfacing engineering, construction and construction engineering. The city will then be responsible for the right-of-way and utilities, as well as maintenance of these amenities upon completion.

Mayor Jackie Crabtree commended Water Department supervisor Ken Hayes on receiving his Class 4 Wastewater Treatment license. He noted that this certification will save the city $50,000 per year on maintenance of the facility.

Alderman Bob Cottingham asked Street Department supervisor Nathan See whether there are plans to resurface Shrader Road. Cottingham said he had received inquiries from residents concerning that stretch of road. See assured him the department is working to resurface it to the city limits and the county is slated to repair the remainder.