Montrose, CO— The Montrose Board of County Commissioners signed an intergovernmental agreement between the county and the Town of Naturita to provide $500,000 to the town for renovating and improving the existing wastewater treatment lagoon system and replacing critical collection line and manholes.  

“We understand that infrastructure—especially wastewater and sewer projects—are expensive,” said Commissioner Roger Rash. “This is a great use of the funds that the board set aside for the towns. I’m hopeful that the town will be able to secure additional funding to make this project a reality. It will greatly improve water quality and directly impact quality of life.”

“This is a wonderful surprise and will help improve our chances receiving funding from other sources as well,” said Kathy Cooper, Naturita Town Clerk. “I am grateful to the county for their assistance on funding with this large wastewater project. This will be a benefit to the entire town for decades to come.”

In late March, the Town of Naturita formally requested funding from the county to assist with this project. The total cost of the projected is estimated at nearly $7.8 million dollars. The town has also applied for funding from the USDA, the Office of Just Transition, and Congressionally Directed Spending. At this time, the town is working to secure funding and will then work through the design, permitting, review process before going out to bid. The construction for the project is expected to start in March of 2024 and finish in August of 2024.  

Montrose County set aside $1.5 million dollars, originally received through the American Rescue Plan Act, to be awarded to towns within county limits that have water and sewer infrastructure projects. 

To learn more about Naturita, please visit townofnaturita.org. To learn more about Montrose County, please visit montrosecounty.net.