POST FALLS - The final hurdle for a Post Falls plan to help clean up the Spokane River will be tonight.

The City Council will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. on the city's intent to file for judicial confirmation to determine the validity of revenue bonds to fund $44.3 million in wastewater treatment improvements over the next several years.

Coeur d'Alene and the Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board also discharge treated wastewater to the river and have undergone a similar process to fund the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency mandates.

If a judge orders that the improvements are "ordinary and necessary" under the Idaho Constitution, a public vote is not required.

Post Falls is awaiting a new proposed discharge permit from the EPA that is expected to be put out for public comment soon.

"Last I heard it will be the end of April or first of May," said Terry Werner, Post Falls public works director.

To pay for the bond, increases in both existing wastewater rates and capitalization fees, one-time charges to new customers, are part of the funding plan.

Rates are proposed to increase 14 percent during fiscal years 2014 and 2015, 10 percent in 2016, 9 percent in 2017 and 7 percent in 2018. For the average monthly bill during those years, the amounts would increase from $33.64 to $49.20.

Capitalization fees are proposed to increase $95 to $4,755. They will be updated annually.

The City Council in February approved a long-term plan to meet river cleanup standards that includes both discharging to the river and land application on the Rathdrum Prairie.

Some residents at that hearing said they understand new technology is needed to handle future growth, but oppose the federal mandate. City officials say they don't have control over the mandate and that, if the city fails to meet the standard, it could be fined $37,500 per day.

Werner said the wastewater plant improvements over the next few years will allow for about 200 more wastewater connections.

Werner said disposing of treated wastewater via land application on the city and Rathdrum's properties on the prairie is estimated to start in 10 to 15 years to complement the river process.

In other business, the council will:

* consider approving a bid of $372,877 by Knife River to realign 15th and 16th avenues this summer;

* hold a public hearing on Ground Force Manufacturing's request to annex 1.85 vacant acres north of Seltice Way adjacent to its new Underground Force facility; and

* consider a proposal to ban fundraising in city streets during a workshop at 5 p.m. in the recreation conference room.

The realignment project includes curving 16th Avenue east of Idaho Street so it lines up with 15th Avenue.

"The realignment will allow for 15th and 16th to better serve as a collector roadway, carrying traffic east-west across our community and will provide a safer transition across Idaho Street by eliminating the existing offset between those two roads," said Bill Melvin, city engineer.

Sidewalks will be installed and the remaining portion of the existing 16th Avenue will be transitioned into open space to serve as a pocket park.

Funding will be from the street impact fees. There will be detours along 16th Avenue east of Idaho during the work.