Wrangell benefits from high oil prices

It’s looking increasingly hopeful that Wrangell will receive $4.1 million as a state grant toward a new water treatment plant.

While not exactly a gift from heaven, it feels like a blessing nonetheless. Without the state funding for the $15-plus-million project, the borough would face the financially painful option of borrowing money for the needed water plant.

The borough already has $11 million in assembled federal funds, which is a solid start, but that last $4 million or so could come at a hefty price to water utility ratepayers if Wrangell has to sell bonds to raise the money. Borough off...