Brady PieperThe Upper Thompson Sanitation District in northern Colorado now has the funding to replace dated wastewater infrastructure for a system that provides services to 15,500 permanent and seasonal residents in the Estes Park area.
The funding came in the form of a $96 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan (WIFIA) from the Environmental Protection Agency — approximately 80% of the total cost of the project.
The project involves building a new water and treatment reclamation facility and two lift stations that will comply with future environmental guidelines and meet growing demand, the EPA says, while also enhancing the quality of the Big Thompson River, a critical water source for several downstream communities, while accommodating future population growth and expansion.
“Upper Thompson Sanitation District has provided cost-effective, high-quality water reclamation services to the Estes Valley community, home of Rocky Mountain National Park, for over 50 years,” said Chris Bieker, District Manager of Upper Thompson Sanitation District. “As we prepare for our sustained, long-term environmental stewardship, borrowing through the WIFIA program allows the construction of critical new infrastructure to serve the residents of the Estes Valley and protect the Big Thompson River for decades to come.
“The WIFIA team has been excellent to work with and we are grateful for their support.”
The loan is expected to save the district $79 million and create about 400 jobs, the EPA says. The district also expects additional cost savings by co-financing the project with an $18 million Colorado Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund loan.
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