by Mari Radtke
McClure Engineering of Sioux City, Iowa has contracted with the City of Marcus to help offiicals make good decisions for its water for the citizens. A report was provided in March. McClure is under contract put Marcus in a position to submit an Intended Use Plan (IUP) to Iowa Finance Authority by Deceber 1, 2024. The planning phase of the 3-phase project identifies important information for city officials to develop a plan to meet its water needs for long into the future.
Currently, the Marcus has 2 wells. The oldest was dug in 1914, according to Ian Davis, Project Manager for McClure Enginnering, and reaches down 1300 feet.
Key elements for the planning phase include evaluationg condition of the source water and its infrastructure, the mechanical elements of the pumping and treatment of the water and the transportation infrastructure of the water. Other considerations to be considered as the IUP is put together would be population growth in Marcus and other potential increased demands, capacity and alternatives such as treatment techniques and water sources. They will also address regulatory concerns.
The planning phase is financed by a 0%, 3-year Planning and Development loan. The planning is key information to be use in a pre-application for Marcus to “get in line” so to speak for a full application for financing once the planning and design work are complete. Design work typically takes 12 months, according to Davis, but that varies with the project needs.