Congress approved an omnibus funding bill last week that includes $1 million for Boulder City’s Wastewater Treatment Facility. The bar screen and grit removal system has reached a critical point and must be replaced.
Failure of the system could create numerous health, safety and environmental issues. “This funding will help us replace this aging equipment and ensure safe disposal measures,” said Joe Stubitz, Boulder City’s Utilities Director. “I truly appreciate the support of Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, Senator Jacky Rosen and Representative Susie Lee. They have been instrumental in allocating these needed funds.”
The plant treats about 1.3 million gallons of wastewater a day, operating 24/7. The original plant was built in 1965. “The community projects funding I helped secure for Boulder City will help them upgrade their aging wastewater system and protect the health and safety of Boulder City residents,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I’m committed to getting all of Nevada’s communities the federal resources they need.”
The funding bill dollars includes 52 projects and programs across Nevada, including new workforce development programs and critical upgrades to rural water infrastructure. “As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’m proud to have a seat at the table to ensure taxpayer dollars are getting to work for Nevadans,” said Rep. Lee. “This funding bill delivers critical water solutions for the west, protects our public lands, expands resources for veterans and their families, improves health care access, and invests in workforce development and job creation.”
The funding comes months after the first federal emergency was declared for Lake Mead due to a record drought. “We know just how important access to clean water is for Nevada families, and I’m proud to have helped secure funding to help upgrade Boulder City’s wastewater infrastructure,” said Senator Rosen. “This investment will go toward making needed repairs and replacements to the city’s water treatment plant, ensuring Nevadans have access to safe, clean drinking water.”
Boulder City sells treated wastewater (called effluent) for dust control at the solar fields and the quarry, but more than half of it is discharged into the aquifer. “Staff is working on several initiatives to reduce water consumption and use wastewater in a sustainable way,” said Taylour Tedder, City Manager. “Our lawmakers have shown great commitment to Boulder City on several projects that could alleviate some of the drought concerns in Southern Nevada.”
The order, delivery and installation will take about 12 months. “The entire project is estimated at $1.4 million,” said Keegan Littrell, Boulder City’s Public Works Director. “We budgeted the remaining $400,000 in the City’s capital improvement plan, hoping that we would obtain the federal funding.”
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