here - Satellite Beach

Internet – Newspaper Archives Searches
John “Jack” Helin
(Articles are in reverse chronological order)
TAB 5
The Grand Island Independent (The Indepenent.com, Central City, NB)
January 27, 1999
Central City to Build New Wastewater Treatment Plant
Author: Sara Grell
CENTRAL CITY — Construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in Central City will
begin this spring. Last week, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development awarded the
city a $1.1 million loan and $500,000 grant for the project. Total cost for the new plant is
approximately $4.5 million.
"We're very happy," City Administrator Jack Helin said. "They (USDA) have been real
supportive." Helin said the current plant, on the east side of town, is not in compliance with
Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality regulations.
Discharge that eventually spills into the Platte River is not properly treated, he said. In addition,
the plant, which was constructed in 1949, does not have the capacity for the town's growing
population.
"It cost too much to repair it," Helin said. "The new one will have double the capacity, will
prepare us for the future and help us come in compliance with state and federal regulations."
Helin said Central City's 2,868 residents will see a slight increase in sewer rates. The amount has
not been determined.
The USDA loan will be paid over 20 years at an interest rate of 4.75 percent, said Glen Gatz,
rural development specialist for Nebraska USDA Rural Development. Additional funding will be
provided by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality Clean Water State Revolving
Loan Fund for $1.9 million and from the Municipal Bond Underwriters for $1 million.
Helin said additional costs will be covered by sales tax dollars. Central City voters approved a
city sales tax one year ago. A portion of the tax is directed to infrastructure for new sewers, water
mains and other improvement projects. The new wastewater treatment plant will be built east of
the current facility. Construction should be completed in spring 2000.
Page 94 of 90