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Water

New Funding Options for Private-Side LSL Replacements

New Funding Options for Private-Side LSL Replacements

A new option to fund replacing private lead service lines (LSLs) has just been introduced. This option allows municipalities to create a new program utility that is completely separate from their water utilities. This new utility would loan money to property owners to fund replacing their LSLs.

STEPS TO PROCESS YOUR NEXT MUNICIPAL CONVENTIONAL WATER RATE CASE WITH THE PSC

STEPS TO PROCESS YOUR NEXT MUNICIPAL CONVENTIONAL WATER RATE CASE WITH THE PSC

Before a public utility can change water rates and begin billing those rates, the utility must receive approval from the PSC.  For water rate cases, utilities have the option to file either a Conventional Rate Case (CRC) or a Simplified Rate Case (SRC).  A CRC is recommended if your utility is making more substantial changes to rates. Learn how we can help you process your next municipal conventional water rate case with the PSC.

PFAS Compounds Scheduled to Become "Hazardous Substance" Under CERCLA

PFAS Compounds Scheduled to Become "Hazardous Substance" Under CERCLA

Two common forms of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are now scheduled to become designated as “hazardous substances” and be subject to the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability (CERCLA) Act in the fall of 2023. Learn more about the potential implications of these changes.   

Take Advantage of 2-step Water Rate Increases

Take Advantage of 2-step Water Rate Increases

Water rate cases now allow utilities to include projects that will be completed at any point in the year after the test year. Before this change, utilities could include costs only for projects that would be completed in the first half of the year following the test year. This change expands how useful conventional rate cases are for utilities, especially with many utilities experiencing project delays due to supply chain or labor issues.

PHOSPHORUS FILTRATION & TOTAL PHOSPHORUS EFFLUENT REQUIREMENTS

PHOSPHORUS FILTRATION & TOTAL PHOSPHORUS EFFLUENT REQUIREMENTS

Since the state of Wisconsin passed legislation that changed the standards for phosphorus in surface waters, wastewater treatment facilities (WWTFs) have been preparing for increasingly stringent effluent requirements for total phosphorus (TP). Phosphorus filtration can help your municipality significantly reduce its TP effluent concentration and comply with the updated TP effluent requirements. Learn about the various types of phosphorus filters available, how they work, and what the advantages and disadvantages are for each system, so you can make the right choice for your WWTF.

WisDOT BIL Transportation Grant Applications Due June 3rd

WisDOT BIL Transportation Grant Applications Due June 3rd

All applications for FFY 2023-2026 BIL funding through the STP, Local Bridge, and/or CMAQ Improvement Programs are due by 5:00 PM on Friday, June 3, 2022. Learn what your municipality needs to know to take advantage of the $1.3 billion in federal funding now available for WI transportation projects.

What You Need to Know about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)

What You Need to Know about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)

President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill into law on ​November 15, 2021​. This $1.2 trillion bill includes $550 billion in new spending over the next eight years, roughly doubling the impact of status-quo infrastructure funding levels. Learn how this new funding will impact your next municipal infrastructure project.

Treasury Releases ARPA Final Rule

Treasury Releases ARPA Final Rule

The U.S Treasury released final guidance on how municipalities can use American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Learn which additional infrastructure projects are eligible for ARPA funding under the final rule.

ARPA Indecision: How to Spend American Rescue Plan Dollars

ARPA Indecision: How to Spend American Rescue Plan Dollars

The US Treasury distributed the first allotment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in June of this year, however, many Wisconsin municipalities are taking a wait-and-see approach when it comes to allocating their payment. However, ARPA Legislation states that municipal relief funds must be allocated by December 2024, and early planning is paramount to getting your projects off the ground on time. Here are answers to the questions we’ve heard most often surrounding ARPA to help keep your planning process moving forward.

Lead & Copper Rule Revisions: How to Prepare for your Materials Inventory

Lead & Copper Rule Revisions: How to Prepare for your Materials Inventory

The new Lead and Copper Rule Revisions are expected to require all regulated water systems must complete a comprehensive materials inventory by the anticipated compliance date of October 16, 2024. The inventory must include all service lines connected to the public water distribution system regardless of ownership status. Learn how to complete your materials inventory effectively and efficiently with tips from our experts.

The Revit Game Changer

The Revit Game Changer

Revit allows users to create a single, integrated building information model to conceptualize, design, and document a project. Learn how the experts at R/M use Revit to improve virtually all aspects of the project design process and help clients visualize their projects long before construction begins.

Racine WWU Water Expansion Project Named APWA WI Project of the Year

Racine WWU Water Expansion Project Named APWA WI Project of the Year

The American Public Works Association of Wisconsin has named the Racine Water & Wastewater Utility Water Expansion Project as the 2020 Public Works Project of the Year. Learn how R/M successfully navigated one of the largest water projects ever in the state of Wisconsin.

New ARPA Guidance Released: Is Your Water/Sewer Project Eligible for Funding?

New ARPA Guidance Released: Is Your Water/Sewer Project Eligible for Funding?

The U.S. Department of the Treasury recently released updated guidance on the use of American Rescue Plan Act Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The Interim Final Rule offers an expanded interpretation regarding the types of sewer, water, and broadband infrastructure projects that qualify for funding. Find out if your next infrastructure project is eligible for Local Fiscal Recovery Funding.

Funding Sewer and Water Projects with the American Rescue Plan Act

Funding Sewer and Water Projects with the American Rescue Plan Act

The American Rescue Plan Act will provide historic, direct federal payments to all 19,000 municipal governments in the United States. For some municipalities, this relief will offer a once-in-a-generation opportunity for community betterment. To help you consider your options and get a head start on necessary preparation, our experts developed a list of 25 water and sewer related infrastructure improvement projects that may be eligible for ARPA relief funding.

Racine WWU, Village of Mukwonago, & R/M Win 2021 Engineering Excellence Awards

Racine WWU, Village of Mukwonago, & R/M Win 2021 Engineering Excellence Awards

In partnership with R/M, the Racine Water & Wastewater Utility (RWWU) and the Village of Mukwonago were named 2021 Engineering Excellence Award State Finalists by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Wisconsin. Learn more about these award winning projects and their positive impact on local communities.

How Does America's Water Infrastructure Act Impact Your Municipality?

How Does America's Water Infrastructure Act Impact Your Municipality?

The deadline to comply with America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) is rapidly approaching. Utilities serving 3,301 to 49,999 individuals must submit a RRA certification of completion to the EPA by June 30th, 2021. Learn what tools are available to protect your utility and remain compliant with the EPA.

Early Bird Gets The Worm: It's Time for a Wetland Delineation

Early Bird Gets The Worm: It's Time for a Wetland Delineation

With the promise of sunshine and spring flowers ahead, it’s time to line up the field surveys needed for project approvals. To avoid unanticipated delays, wetland and other environmental screenings and/or field work should be handled early in the project design process. Set your next project up for success and learn the who, what, where, and why of wetland delineations.