The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a $96 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to the Upper Thompson Sanitation District in northern Colorado. The loan will enable the district to replace outdated wastewater infrastructure, serving 15,500 permanent and seasonal residents.
“Small communities face unique challenges when they look to upgrade aging water infrastructure that provides reliable water services for residents and businesses while protecting nature,” said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “EPA is proud to partner with the Upper Thompson Sanitation District by financing 80% of their water modernization project. Through this EPA loan, the district will meet growing demand and steward water resources in Colorado.”
The Upper Thompson Sanitation District plans to construct a new water treatment and reclamation facility along with two lift stations, complying with future environmental guidelines and addressing increasing demand. These upgrades aim to enhance the quality of the Big Thompson River, a crucial water source for downstream communities, while supporting future population growth.
“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 WIFIA financing will cover nearly 80% of the project's costs. The district anticipates saving $79 million and creating approximately 400 jobs through this loan. Additional cost savings are expected from co-financing with an $18 million Colorado Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund loan.
“In Colorado, we know how important it is to preserve, protect and strengthen our critical water resources, which is why I am thrilled to see such a monumental investment of federal resources making their way to one of our state’s most treasured mountain communities,” said House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse. “Thanks to the EPA, the Upper Thompson Sanitation District will be able to achieve its goals of replacing their aging infrastructure to meet the needs of residents in Estes Park.”
Since 2018, the EPA’s WIFIA program has announced over $20 billion in financing for more than $44 billion in water infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems while creating over 140,000 jobs.
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