We all know wastewater systems are necessary for healthy communities, but you’re probably not thinking daily about wastewater. Others, though, are.
For those who have been looking at the economic vitality of an important regional corridor, the effective removal of wastewater has been a primary consideration. Now, a solution to improve wastewater disposal along US Highway 85 is underway.
During a regular business meeting Tuesday, April 25, the Board of Douglas County Commissioners approved an intergovernmental agreement with Castle Rock Water for a new, 11-mile wastewater collection and treatment system along US 85.
Running from Louviers south to Castle Rock, the new system is intended to improve water quality in Plum Creek and Chatfield Reservoir and stimulate economic development in the US 85 corridor by replacing an aging lagoon system in Louviers and making a modern, centralized wastewater system available to landowners currently reliant on septic systems. The project will also create new recreation opportunities with the construction of new trails. The agreement provides funding for design of the new system and construction.
“We’ve heard from our businesses along US 85 that a stronger wastewater system would help them grow,” said Douglas County Commissioner George Teal. “We’re investing in this project because it’s foundational to our economic vitality and the health of our community.”
The $26.8 million in County funding for an initial phase of the project is from the County’s share of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Overall, the County will invest more than $35 million of its ARPA funding in water and wastewater projects, including recently approved projects with Louviers and Sedalia.
Watch this video for an overview of the projects.
In all, the County received $68.2 million in funding from the federal government that will be invested in legacy projects countywide in areas such as wildfire prevention and response, mental and behavioral health, economic foundations, homelessness and helping members of our community with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Learn more about the County’s ARPA Investments.