VALLEY – USDA Rural Development Colorado State Director Sallie Clark announced on Tuesday that USDA is investing more than $16.5 million in Colorado to improve water and wastewater facilities in three Colorado communities including a $558,700 loan and grant for the Town of Romeo.  The bulk of the funding, $11 million, is going to the Town of Estes Park for water distribution system upgrades, which will service more than 5,000 users. In addition, Westcliffe will receive nearly $5 million to renovate its community wastewater system, which serves 620 users.

“Having access to both safe drinking water and waste disposal systems is a vital piece of public health and economic prosperity for our rural communities,” said Clark. “The funding awarded today will assist the Towns of Westcliffe, Estes Park, and Romeo with upgrades and replacements to their water and sewer systems,” said Clark.

The Town of Romeo received a $558,700 loan and grant combination to replace the pump system with a constant pressure system and replace meters with remote meters. The disinfection system will be upgraded, and a backup generator will be installed for emergency purposes. Wastewater improvements will include replacing the ultra-sonic flow measurement device and controls for influent and effluent metering locations.

The water project will assist 149 residents and two businesses. The sewer portion of the project will assist 119 residential users.

Of the Romeo project funding, $383,700 will be in the form of a grant and $175,000 as a loan. Supporting this project funding were Senators Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner and Representative Scott Tipton.

Nationwide, USDA is investing $1.2 billion to help rebuild and improve rural water infrastructure in 46 states.  USDA providing financing for 234 water and environmental infrastructure projects through the department’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. The funding can be used for drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems for rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.

Eligible rural communities and water districts can apply to the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program online for funding to maintain, modernize or build water and wastewater systems. They can visit the interactive RD Apply tool, or they can apply through one of USDA Colorado Rural Development’s state or field offices.

For more information visit www.rd.usda.gov/co.