USDA Rural Development Colorado Invests in Town of Green Mountain Falls Wastewater Future

USDA Rural Development State Director for Colorado Sallie Clark announced the awarding of a $85,000 Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households (SEARCH) Grant to the Town of Green Mountain Falls to assist with initial project work on their Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) to evaluate the feasibility of centralizing their wastewater treatment system.

"This investment, will assist Green Mountain Falls as they undertake this important step toward protecting public health, safeguarding the environment, and ensuring sustainable infrastructure for their community," said Clark. "Assisting rural communities with funding for safe, reliable wastewater infrastructure is central to Rural Development's mission. This grant will provide critical resources for the town to complete the studies and planning needed to determine the most effective path toward a centralized wastewater treatment system".

Currently the town relies on individual septic systems for their wastewater treatment and inadequate treatment has contributed to ongoing water quality impairments in Fountain Creek. Without adequate wastewater infrastructure improvements, the community's growth is restricted. To support this effort, the town has hired GMS, Inc., an engineering firm, to prepare the PER to evaluate the technical, logistical, and financial considerations for implementing a centralized wastewater collection system and treatment facility. Once complete, the report will be used by the town to assess project alternatives and phasing, capital and operational costs, and overall financial viability.

USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with programs to promote rural prosperity. These programs expand access to high-speed internet, electricity, and infrastructure, and support economic growth, healthcare, education, housing and other community essentials. Discover more investment details and historical data in the Rural Data Gateway and learn more about the agency at www.rd.usda.gov/co.