Here’s a look at the possible effects of President Obama’s stimulus package on water projects in southern Colorado, from Chris Woodka writing for The Pueblo Chieftain. From the article:
Drinking water supply systems in Rocky Ford, La Junta, Florence, Salida, Blanca and Baca Grande could benefit. Wastewater improvements in Canon City and Rye also made the cut. Major improvements for the Pueblo sewer plant are among projects on a waiting list if other projects fail to meet deadlines or criteria. All of the projects were rated for the impact to water quality and a community’s ability to fund projects. Final approval of more than $65 million for water and wastewater projects still rests with the Environmental Protection Agency, which has developed guidelines for how the money will be spent under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The state also requires engineering plans by the end of this month and construction starting by Sept. 30…
Colorado expects to receive $34.4 million for drinking water projects and $31.3 million in wastewater funds…
The state has listed 87 projects eligible for almost $300 million under the stimulus program. If any of the top-tier projects fail to meet stringent time guidelines or fail to gain EPA approval, others will move up to take their place, explained Carolyn Schachterle, head of the financial unit of the Water Quality Control Commission. If a project is not funded, it still could be funded through other state loan programs offered by the Colorado Water Resources Power and Development Authority. The Recovery Act is designed to stimulate jobs, however, and offers either grants – actually loans with forgiveness of principal repayment in order to streamline paperwork – zero-interest loans for small disadvantaged communities and low-interest loans, Schachterle said. Additionally, 20 percent of the money must be spent on “green” projects – generally those using alternative energy or that reduce power use – meaning some projects could move up on the list if a credible business plan to reduce energy demands is not shown. Finally, Colorado could collect additional money if other states fail to meet federal criteria to begin construction within a year of the signing of the act by President Barack Obama…
High on the list is a $2 million grant to connect 176 homes in North Canon City to the regional sewer system. The project already had been approved for a state loan and a $1.3 million state grant from the Department of Local Affairs…
Rye would receive nearly $2 million in funds to tie its sewer system into Colorado City’s wastewater treatment plant through a two-mile pipeline. Rye currently uses a lagoon system. The town also is working to improve sewer lines that were put in during the 1930s. Colorado City completed the sewer plant about three years ago and built it with enough capacity to accommodate Rye’s tie-in, explained Rye Mayor Tom Holgerson…
Pueblo is looking at $5.5 million to replace its chlorine disinfection system with ultraviolet treatment. This would eliminate the need to store toxic chlorine and sulfur dioxide, but would increase energy costs. Solar power would be used as a “green” component to offset the increase in power use, said Gene Michael, wastewater supervisor. About $1.5 million of the total cost would go toward the photovoltaic array, which could bump the project up on the state’s priority list. Pueblo also is looking at a $26.5 million project to remove ammonia in order to meet future environmental compliance rules…
Saguache is seeking $437,500 for collection lines and plant upgrades, while Lamar is looking for $2.4 million to replace a lift station…
In the San Luis Valley, Blanca is seeking $50,000 to replace water meters, while Baca Grande wants $1.4 million to upgrade lines and consolidate two water systems. In the Arkansas Valley, Florence wants $3 million to replace its chlorine mixing facility, called a clear well. Salida has asked for $325,000 to rehabilitate its water tank. Rocky Ford has requested $945,000 to extend water lines 3,000 feet to the Hancock Water System west of the city. The small water district has 46 taps and is facing expensive upgrades to deal with radionuclides in its well water. The connection would allow the district to blend water or tap into Rocky Ford’s system, said Dan Hyatt, Rocky Ford city manager…
La Junta wants $1.8 million to replace two storage tanks, one in town that is nearly a century old and the other a 60-year-old tank at the airport.