Hurley seeks $500,000 grant

By RALPH ANSAMI

ransami@yourdailyglobe.com

Hurley — The Hurley City Council on Tuesday agreed to spend $10,000 for a grant application that could net the city $500,000.

The council authorized MSA Professional Services, the city’s engineering company, to apply for the Community Development Block Grant.

According to Jeff Seamandel, of MSA, the money could be used for a future utility project.

He said the request is for 50 percent of the project cost, up to the $500,000.

The city’s local share would be 10 percent, or around $100.000. The city also has $553,000 left over from another federal grant program.

MSA has prepared cost estimates for work on a U.S. 51 sanitary sewer interceptor, water reservoir, reconstruction of Copper Street — from Second to Fourth Avenues — Silver Street sidewalk replacements and hydrant replacements.

The grant application is due by May 1.

In other business Tuesday, the council agreed to borrow $44,100 from the Associated Bank-Hurley to be used to purchase a squad car, police radar and modem, and a thermal imaging camera for the fire department. The expenditures were approved during the budget deliberation process.

The council also agreed to borrow $70,000 from the bank for pay-outs to two retired police officers.

Council members heard a presentation on a Greater Chequamegon Bay National Marine Sanctuary and approved a resolution supporting the Lake Superior sanctuary, as one of the members from Port Wing to Hurley.

The council went into closed session with city attorney Ray O’Dea to discuss a substantial outstanding water bill.