The purchase is through grant funds for the Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant project provided by USDA Rural Development. The city has been leasing this property from Weyerhaeuser for wastewater operations since 1963. The terms of the lease required the city to regrade and fill the site to return it to its pre-1963 condition, which was expected to cost as much as $4 million. By purchasing the site, the city will not be bound by the terms of the lease and will work with state agencies to decommission the site. This approach is expected to reduce costs significantly and provide environmental benefits.
If you have any other questions or comments, please contact me at my office.