Our public meeting on August 1st was a success, with almost all current users of the Hondius line in attendance signing the Petition for the Town to move forward with obtaining financing from the USDA.
At the meeting, the engineer went through the preliminary engineering report. The total estimated cost of $3.4 million for the project is virtually the same as the estimate given at our October meeting last year; however, the estimated annual cost is less due to the payoff period under the USDA financing of 40 years vs. 20 years under the previous State Revolving Fund plan. Here is the Cost Estimate that was presented at the public meeting.
The project will bring year-round water service to all that elect to participate in the project and will of course also benefit the area with fire hydrants and adequate water pressure for fire-fighting purposes. The addition of properties to the project that are not currently Hondius water users will lower the average annual cost of the project for all participating. Additionally, it will put to rest any concerns over access to water in the future as the Town will take over the system, including future operating and maintenance costs. All that sign up for the project will be responsible for replacing (if desired or necessary) current service lines to hook up to the new main lines and those who are not current Hondius water users will likely also have to pay a tap fee to the Town.
At the public meeting August 1st, when the question was asked if anyone had tested their well water, one of the property owners in attendance indicated they recently had their well tested and found the water NOT to be potable (drinkable). While we certainly have no idea how widespread this condition could be, it may be wise to have your well (if you have one) tested to determine the purity of the water.
If you are in favor of the project and have not yet signed up, please print this Petition, sign it and return it to me at your earliest convenience (the sooner the better to keep things moving) at the following address:
Jim Redman
540 Laurel Lane, No. 7
Estes Park, CO 80517
Please include the Estes Park address of your property that is on the Hondius water system, and print and sign your name. If you are currently NOT a Hondius water user, please note that on the petition as well.
Thank you. Jim