USDA helps Town of Antonito improve its wasterwater system

ANTONITO — The Town of Antonito will receive a $1,751,000 million loan and a $1,833,000 grant for the improvement of its wastewater system through the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program.

According to Amy Mund of USDA’s Denver office, the town’s wastewater treatment system is unable to meet the parameters set forth by the Colorado Wastewater Discharge Permit.

The town considered several alternatives and selected a project with a total project cost of $4,584,000.

The project is also a collaboration with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs.

DOLA provided a $1,000,000 Energy/Mineral Impact Assistance Fund Grant (EIAF).

These grants assist political subdivisions that are socially or economically impacted by the development, processing or energy conversion of minerals and mineral fuels.

The funding provided by USDA Rural Development and DOLA will alleviate the health-related concerns.

Construction is slated to take approximately one year. 

The loan from USDA RD is for 40 years at 2.125%.

During the fiscal year 2019, USDA has awarded nearly $1.8 billion in loans and grants for use in water projects and environmental programs.