Grant To Help Town Plan Sewer System

Hayden has been awarded a $13,957 grant to help wean homeowners from decades of dependence on septic tanks.

The money will help the city plan for the next phase of sewer construction.

The grant was one of three announced by Gov. Phil Batt Tuesday morning. Hayden, Payette and Driggs were awarded a total of $165,467.

About 60 percent of the city’s homes and businesses are connected to sewer systems now. The new study will suggest ways to expand that to 80 percent.

Hayden has been turning away from septic tanks since the early 1980s. State environmental and health agencies are trying to discourage septic tanks over the Rathdrum Aquifer, below Hayden and the Rathdrum Prairie. Kootenai and Spokane counties get drinking water from the aquifer.

Last spring, Hayden connected more than 400 homes and businesses to the sewer system.

The next proposed phase would connect about 350 homes in the north central part of the city around Government Way. The cost per home is expected to be about $4,525. Public hearings will be held in May or June.