Frankville water project clears another hurdle

A proposed new water system for Frankville cleared another hurdle on Monday.

Winneshiek County supervisors agreed to sponsor applications for grants and loans from three governmental groups, in hopes of getting the money necessary to build the water system.

It will cost an estimated $754,900 to do the project. Upper Exploreland Regional Planning Commission is handling the grant and loan applications. It is asking for financial help from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development fund, from the Iowa Revolving Loan Fund and from the I-Jobs program.

County supervisors held a public hearing Monday on the Frankville water system project, with around one dozen people attending. County Board Chairman Dean Darling stated the county board neither favored nor opposed the water system--it was acting only because a group of Frankville residents had requested help.

Upper Explorerland's Wendy Mihm-Herold said a poll of residents from the 44 homes in Frankville found two-thirds of them in support of the water project. Once officials learn the amount of grant money and loan money available, Mihm-Herold said it will be up to the residents of Frankville to determine whether they want to proceed with the project.