(KLZA)-- Falls City Ward IV Council member Derek Leyden addressed the need for infrastructure upgrades in Falls City when the Council met Monday evening. 

The Falls City Utility Department has prepared a 10 year capital improvement plan that comes with a price tag of $31.675-million.  Leyden said improvements are needed at the electrical plant, new water mains are needed,  gas lines need to be replaced and upgrades of up to five-million dollars may be required at the wastewater treatment plant.

Leyden said some of the current infrastructure is decades old and said the city doesn't want to be forced to make changes following a failure in any of the systems.  He noted the power lines in the alley's between Chase and Stone Street and between Stone and Harlan Streets are in bad shape and suggested the lines should be underground if possible. 

The biggest issue is how to pay for the proposed upgrades.  Leyden outlined several funding scenarios including an increase in the local sales tax, budget cuts including a cut in services and personnel,  increasing utility rates,  bond the project  or use of a mixture of all four scenarios to pay for the improvements. 

During the quarterly EDGE update Monday evening,  EDGE Executive Director Lucas Froeschl noted that a potential industrial prospect was looking at Falls City that would have provided 45 jobs at around $60-thousand annually with a $4-500-million investment.  However, at the present time Falls City could not meet the electrical needs or capacity for wastewater the company would require. 

Leyden said despite the cost, the improvements simply need to be done. 

Council member Mitch Merz said the City will need to invest in itself to grow. He said if we don't improve out systems, there is no reason for NPPD to spend the money to provide more electrical power to Falls City.

Leyden invited citizens to reach out to him or other council members with their thoughts and ideas on whether or not to move forward with improvements or any idea's they may have to pay for the improvements.