Polson city projects pine for stimulus funds

POLSON — The city of Polson is no different than cities across the state today. Cities are vying for money from the Legislature to be used for infrastructure, projects that will help put people back to work and stimulate the economy.

Some of the projects the city has sent appropriation requests for are the water storage and treatment project, and the Main Street water line replacement and urban renewal project, represented by the Streetscape Taskforce.

The first seeks to replace two deteriorating water reservoirs and add a treatment plant. The reservoirs will be replaced regardless of stimulus money, yet stimulus funds would give the water and sewer department money for other projects that are also “shovel ready,” said water and sewer superintendent Tony Porrazzo.

The Streetscape Taskforce is eager to begin fixing the sidewalks of Mainstreet, and working in conjunction with the water and sewer department as the water main on Main Street will soon be replaced. If the Streetscape project were to receive stimulus money, new water pipes would be put in place for the structures lining Main Street from Second Avenue to Seventh Avenue.

“We want to make a great town better,” taskforce member Cindy Willis said. “The image of Polson as it could be is really spectacular.”

As is the case across the state and country, various community projects are trying to get the same funds from the federal stimulus plan.

Polson’s city attorney James Raymond has recently sent five projects for consideration to senators and representatives in Helena, the top two listed above. The proposed projects sent were decided on by the Polson City Council.

“The state decides what we do with the money,” Raymond said of the potential stimulus funds the city is applying for.

As it has not been decided if Polson will receive any of the funds, it is certain that the city will get $95,000 for infrastructure improvements, this is money that varies from city to city and is based on population.

With this money six blocks worth of alleys will see a replacement and/or upgrade of water mains.

“Water mains don’t require engineering, and we can put four or five contractors to work tomorrow,” Raymond said. “We’re trying to do what we can.”

Citizens can voice their opinion about where they would like to see potential funding go by attending a the public hearing at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 20 at Polson City Hall.