"Town shall allocate resources to perform necessary short-term repairs
and develop a long-term plan for ongoing maintenance and system
improvements."

Potholes at intersection of Silverglance Way and Highway 145.

Ore Cart photo
March 8, 2025

by Allyn Svoboda
Publisher

Contents
1) Infrastructure resolution
2) Congressionally Directed Spending for Silver Creek water system
3) Text of Resolution 2025-01

Roads, water system and other infrastructure improvements and upgrades became top priorities for Town of Rico in early March 2025. At a special meeting March 3, the Rico Board of Trustees approved Resolution 2025-01 which recognizes the "essential" and "critical" nature of these Town services and defines actions needed to create solutions.

Trustees also approved a proposal to apply for a Congressional Directed Spending (CDS) grant to upgrade and reactivate Town's Silver Creek water supply.

1) Infrastructure resolution

Key points

Reliable and sustainable water system is essential for the health, safety, and well-being of residents.

Town roads and public utilities are aging and require immediate and long-term investment to ensure use-ability and safety.

Public Works Department is critical to maintaining essential services.

Town will take immediate action to assess, repair, and upgrade critical components of the water system and roads.

Long-term financial strategy for ongoing maintenance and improvement of water system, streets, and public works is needed.

Possible funding

Funding is necessary to support infrastructure improvements. Sources may include:

• grants
• State and Federal assistance
• water rates reviews
• property tax adjustments

Actions

Town of Rico will:

• allocate resources to perform necessary short-term repairs and develop a long-term plan for ongoing maintenance and system improvements.
• obtain professional assessments and recommendations to guide infrastructure improvements effectively.
• include street maintenance and repair in Town's long-term infrastructure
  improvement plan.

A motion to approve Resolution 2025-01 passed by a vote of 4 yes, 1 no.

° ° °

related:
Rico water system leaking nearly half the volume pumped from well
Rico Ore Cart - March 3, 2025

2) Congressionally Directed Spending for Silver Creek water system

Town Manager Chauncey McCarthy described an opportunity to apply for a Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) grant to upgrade and reactivate the Silver Creek water supply system. Town of Rico previously applied for and was approved for CDS funding of a sewer project, he stated. Town also previously applied for CDS Silver Creek upgrade, but was not approved.

Colorado U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper is seeking a $3.8 million water system improvement for Rico using a "Congressonally Directed Spending" earmark. Town Manager McCarthy reported to Trustees that a Congressional committee is considering the Rico upgrade for inclusion in the next U.S. Budget. The Federal grant, if approved, would pay for 80% of the construction cost, with a possible option for Rico to borrow from a State of Colorado revolving fund for the remainder of the cost.

source:
Rico Ore Cart
April 26, 2023

A Colorado State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan may be available, he added. State Historical Preservation Office permit requirment is not likely, as the waterline route will be the same as the existing pipe.

Trustees unanimously approved a motion authorizing Town Manager to apply for Silver Creek water system upgrades CDS funding.

° ° °

A March 25, 2025 email correspondence from Town Manager McCarthy provided cost and funding information:

total cost
$5.0 million
Estimate from 2018 Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) plus inflation. Actual to be determined from design phase should have a better understanding of total cost.

CDS funding request
$2.5 million

design phase
$300,000
> possible grant funding through the Colorado State Revolving Fund

° ° °

Preliminary Engineering Report - 2020

Silver Creek water system reactivation
SGM Engineering
Memorandum from Town Manager to Rico Planning Commission
October 15th, 2020

rebuild infiltration system
$330,000

protect existing water pipeline to the tanks from potential debris flows
$160,000

upgrade treatment system to the degree to comply with current Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment standards
$3,400,000

total
$3,890,000

° ° °

Silver Creek water improvements included in "2024 and Beyond" Town of Rico workplan

Goal
Reactivate Silver Creek water system

Objectives

• RFP (Request for Proposals) for engineering documents for the necessary improvements needed to reactive silver Creek.
• Pursue funding to reactivate Silver Creek
• Go out to bid for water system improvements, construct improvements, reactivate Silver Creek. - Contingent upon funding. Ideally breaking ground summer 2026.

3) Text of Resolution 2025-01

TOWN OF RICO
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-01

A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF RICO BOARD OF TRUSTEES PRIORITIZING THE TOWN’S WATER SYSTEM, INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIRS, FUNDING INITIATIVES, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT STAFFING, AND ROAD MAINTENANCE

WHEREAS, the Town of Rico recognizes the essential nature of a reliable and sustainable water system for the health, safety, and well-being of its residents; and

WHEREAS, the Town’s infrastructure, including roads and public utilities, is aging and requires immediate and long-term investment to ensure continued functionality and safety; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Rico’s Public Works Department is critical to maintaining essential services, including water system operations, street maintenance, and general municipal infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, securing sustainable funding is necessary to support infrastructure improvements, including but not limited to grant funding, state and federal assistance, water rate reviews, and potential property tax adjustments; and

WHEREAS, the Town recognizes the need to develop a long-term financial strategy to ensure ongoing maintenance and improvement of its water system, streets, and public works; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF RICO THAT:

Section 1 Water System and Infrastructure as a Priority

The Board of Trustees formally designates the improvement and sustainability of the Town’s water system, roads, and municipal infrastructure as top priorities. The Town shall take immediate action to assess, repair, and upgrade critical components of the water and road infrastructure.

Section 2 Infrastructure Repairs and Maintenance

The Town shall allocate resources to perform necessary short-term repairs and develop a long- term plan for ongoing maintenance and system improvements. The Town of Rico shall pursue professional assessments and recommendations to guide infrastructure improvements effectively. Street maintenance and repair shall be included in the Town’s long-term infrastructure improvement plan. Town staff shall have the discretion to hire contractors to perform emergency repairs as needed.

Section 3 Funding and Financial Planning

The Town shall actively seek and apply for state, federal, and private grant opportunities to support water system repairs, road improvements, and other critical infrastructure needs. The Board shall explore all potential funding opportunities and other financial strategies to ensure sustainable funding. The Town shall conduct regular reviews of water rates to ensure sufficient revenue for maintenance and capital improvements while balancing affordability for residents. The Board shall evaluate the potential need for property tax increases or other revenue-generating measures to support infrastructure and public works staffing needs, subject to community input and approval where required.

Section 4 Public Works Staffing and Resources

The Town shall prioritize the recruitment and retention of qualified Public Works staff to oversee water system operations, street maintenance, and other municipal infrastructure. The Board shall consider budget allocations to ensure adequate staffing, training, and equipment for the Public Works Department. The Town shall evaluate opportunities to improve operational efficiency and service delivery within the Public Works Department.

Section 5 Community Engagement and Transparency

The Town shall ensure ongoing communication with residents regarding infrastructure improvements, funding efforts, and public works initiatives. The Board shall host public meetings and provide regular updates to keep the community informed and involved in decision-making processes.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption, and the Board of Trustees directs the Town staff to take all necessary actions to implement its provisions.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF RICO
This 3rd day of March 2025

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