BOISE, ID — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has awarded a combined $110,000 to two Idaho communities to assist with evaluating their wastewater and drinking water systems, according to a news release from the agency.

The grants will help each city conduct planning studies and environmental reviews to identify system deficiencies and determine what upgrades are needed to meet state and federal standards.

The city of Buhl received $65,000 to prepare a wastewater planning study. The total project is expected to cost $150,000, with the remaining $85,000 funded by the city.

The city of Lewiston was awarded $45,000 to develop a drinking water planning study. That project totals $325,000, with Lewiston contributing $280,000.

DEQ’s Planning Grant Program provides funding for eligible wastewater and drinking water systems to develop engineering reports that identify cost-effective, environmentally sound upgrade options. Grants can cover up to 50% of planning costs, with recipients responsible for the remainder.

More information on DEQ’s Planning Grant Program and this year’s recipients is available on the department’s website.