GOV. RITTER ANNOUNCES THREE RURAL PROJECTS TO RECEIVE RECOVERY ACT DOLLARS FOR CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
August 26, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Gov. Bill Ritter announced funding for three projects in rural Colorado communities that will provide citizens with better access to cleaner water and essential medical services. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-R) funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will pay for $2.8 million in work to improve wastewater systems in Boone and Red Cliff and assist with a medical facility expansion in Bent County.
“The Recovery Act is creating jobs through infrastructure projects that will create longterm payoff and benefits in Colorado’s rural communities,” Gov. Ritter said. “It is so important that we utilize Recovery Act dollars to help all of our communities come out of this economic downturn faster and stronger than ever.”
Susan Kirkpatrick, executive director of the Colorado Department of Local Affairs added, “Providing Coloradans with access to services that meet basic human needs is one of the goals of our department. These CDBG-R funds can have a vital impact on the lives of our citizens and we take pride in administering this program to help strengthen Colorado communities.”
The CDBG-R funds, administered by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), will be awarded to the following projects:
- Town of Red Cliff Wastewater Treatment Facility Replacement – $1,122,608
For several years, the Town of Red Cliff’s existing wastewater treatment plan has not been in compliance and has been operating under an EPA Cease and Desist Order. The Eagle County project consists of replacing the plant with a new state-of-the-art technology wastewater plant which will eliminate ground water contamination and a public health threat. Twenty-six temporary construction jobs are estimated to be generated.
- Boone Wastewater System Improvements – $1,295,000
Due to inadequately treated wastewater seeping into the underlying Arkansas River alluvial aquifer, this Pueblo County town has applied for funding to modify its existing lagoon system. CDBG-R funds will increase economic efficiencies by reducing or eliminating the need for constant and costly repairs and by eliminating the need for a special assessment fee to be imposed on low and moderate income homeowners. Fourteen temporary construction jobs are estimated to be generated.
- Bent County Medical Facility Expansion – $415,000
Located in the City of Las Animas, the Bent County Medical Facility is the primary care clinic for the community. This project will expand the existing clinic to accommodate the greater demand for access to health care, including those who are underserved, and those with limited access to medical and dental care. Six temporary jobs are estimated to be generated.
The projects will be bid by the local governments receiving the funds. More information about the Recovery Act is available at www.colorado.gov/recovery.
CONTACT:
Linda Rice, 303.866.6249, linda.rice (at) state.co (dot) us
Myung Oak Kim, 303.947.5708, Myung.kim (at) state.co (dot) us
