VESTA — Parts of the city of Vesta’s infrastructure are in good condition, but the city is trying to plan ahead for future needs, Vesta City Clerk Brooke Guetter said. Vesta will be trying to get grant or loan funding for about $19 million worth of possible updates to city water, sewer and stormwater systems.

The city of Vesta held an informational public hearing on Feb. 11 to talk about possible infrastructure updates, as well as alternatives and possible funding sources. Guetter estimated around 15 visitors attended the meeting with questions.

Guetter said the city is going to try and secure funding for the infrastructure updates from sources like USDA Rural Development.

“Right now we’re not tied into anything. We’re just trying to get funding,” Guetter said.

The process of looking at Vesta’s current infrastructure started in the past couple of years, Guetter said. The city worked with Bollig Engineering for a preliminary report. The report had some positive results, she said.

“Our sanitary sewer is in really good condition,” Guetter said. But while other parts of city infrastructure were “mostly good,” it was still a good idea to plan ahead for possible updates before there was an immediate need. “Our water mains, the majority of them are from the 1950s to the 1980s,” she said.

Other project items could include updates to Vesta’s drinking water storage, stormwater system, wastewater ponds and streets.

Vesta will be seeking grant or loan funding for infrastructure updates through USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Programs, Guetter said. The city was submitting a request for a total of $19 million worth of utility and street updates. They would have to wait to see if the proposal would receive funding, she said.

Guetter said she didn’t think the loan program would be affected by federal funding freezes, but she would still caution the Vesta City Council not to move forward on infrastructure work until funds were guaranteed.