Three Lakes Water & Sanitation District receives $1 million in funding for septic system upgrades

A press release from U.S. Senator Michael Bennet's office said the Three Lakes Water & Sanitation District in Grand Lake has received $1 million to upgrade the Three Lakes Water and Sanitation District's wastewater system.

The goal of the project is to convert over 660 properties from a septic tank to a central wastewater collection and treatment system. This septic tank conversion program aims to reduce the risk of contamination for approximately 9,100 acres of lakes and reservoirs near the headwaters of the Colorado River.

A Three Lakes Water & Sanitation District vision statement for the project says many of the septic systems in Grand Lake homes are being “used beyond their designed capacity.” This is partly due to the fact that many homes are used for short-term rentals and have sleeping capacities above typical house occupancy.

The document also states that the project is a “long-term undertaking” and that completing an “expansion” of the sewer network across the county is estimated to cost no less than $17.5 million.

The funding request was also supported by Senator John Hickenlooper and comes from congressionally directed spending in the Senate's first round of appropriations legislation for this fiscal year. The $1 million is part of $91.5 million in total funding secured for 78 projects in 30 counties across the state.

According to the press release, the Senate is currently working on passing six additional appropriations bills that could include additional funding for Colorado projects.

“I am pleased that we were able to support nearly 80 projects in 30 Colorado counties in this round of funding,” Bennet said in the press release. “From funding water infrastructure in Lamar to a business park in Craig to a housing affordability project in Fort Collins, these investments will help Coloradans meet the changing needs of their communities.”