Report shows how funds were spent after 2017 winter

By: 
Mayor Diana Thomas
Listening to and reading about the snow that many areas of the state received this past week, my heart and prayers go out to them.  
 I’m sure we all gulped a little when we got our snow remembering two years ago. 
 A recent report came out that accounted for the $50 million Idaho Office of Emergency Management over saw through the Emergency Relief Fund after the 2017 winter.  
 This was created in 2017 to provide assistance to counties where road and bridge infrastructure was impacted by severe winter weather.  
 Currently, the fund has helped 35 of Idaho’s 44 counties recover from the snow and flood disasters of 2017.  
 Over 90 local agencies, including counties, cities and highway districts, were awarded funds. Over 200 infrastructure projects have already been completed of the 500 plus projects that were awarded from the 602 applications which were originally submitted.  $20,881,710 has already been dispersed of the $50 mil.  
 Due to the damage and nature of the projects some will take more time but are still being worked on. Contractors and materials were in short supply at the time because of the number of projects being bid and contracted.
 The reports are that our water basin has reached beyond the 100 percent mark so we should have plenty of water for our farmers this year.  
 Now we just pray for a slow melt in the mountains so our reservoirs can fill and save the water for later use.
 Weiser City Fire and Rescue continues to work on annual inspections throughout the city.  Four of our firefighters traveled to attend a fire academy as part of the ongoing training for our department.  
 They also hosted a group of Girl Scouts this last week.  Chief Nyce, Jake Evans, station manager and members of the department continue to coordinate with our schools and other groups to educate our kids and residents about our fire department and fire safety throughout the year. 
 The wastewater treatment plant crew will begin jetting lines and clearing storm drains. With the wind we have had this winter, the leaves continue to come down and end up in the drains. 
 It is a circle but the crew will begin on the eastside of town for the jetting and will address problem areas on the storm drains first. 
 Weiser High School choirs are preparing for their music extravaganza, “Cinderella.” Tickets are now on sale for the performances on March 11, 13, 15 and 16.  The musical begins at 7:30 each night and tickets are just $7 now and $8 at the door.  
 This is another great opportunity for our youth to share their talents with the community. Watch our local media for additional information or call the school at 208-414-2595.
 Don’t forget soup and hot showers at the Weiser Community Church on Tuesdays.  Soup at noon and showers from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  No cost.  
 Also, soup on at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Thursdays through the Lenten season. Again, there is no cost but donations are always appreciated.
 The District 9 legislators, Senator Abby Lee, Rep. Ryan Kerby and Rep. Judy Boyle will be holding town hall meetings across the district on Saturday, February 23.  
 The Washington County meeting will be at 2 p.m. in Midvale at the Country Coffee Cabin. Stop in to hear what is going on in the Legislature right now. 

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Signal American

18 E. Idaho St.
Weiser, ID 83672
PH: (208) 549-1717
FAX: (208) 549-1718
 

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