VALLEY GRANDE — In an effort to repair underground pipelines, the city of Valley Grande has asked for — and received — grant money to fund a project that would replace current pipelines with PVC pipes. This project would directly affect 96 homes that have had consistent problems with sewer lines. 

During their regular meeting, the city council agreed to have a planning session before their next meeting on April 1 to address how much the project would cost and who would replace the pipelines.

Ray Hogg, with Hogg Engineering, volunteered to oversee the project using grant money received from the state.

“We got a grant in the past to upgrade our pumping station, but that’s only half of the project,” Valley Grande Mayor Wayne Labbe explained. “The other part of the project is the sewer lines that run under houses and under roads that feed the pumping stations. Those lines are old and they’re falling apart.”

Originally, Labbe said residents tried to find a way to replace the pipelines but found the cost was too high. However, with the help of the city, Labbe said the council was able to receive grant money to fund the project.

“When they [the state] make these grants available, we have to prove that as a city we’re in need of that money,” Labbe explained.

And after asking the state for the grant, $212,000 was awarded to fix the piping.

The next step, Labbe said, is to bid out the project.

“Our main goal is to get these pipes replaced and make life easier for these 96 homes that have suffered with this problem for so many years,” Labbe said.

After the planning session, Labbe said he hopes to set the project in motion and get the pipes replaced.

“Basically, when we get that done, it will basically be a maintenance free sewer system,” he said.