Congressman Neguse Cheers $96 Million Investment for the Upper Thompson Sanitation District

Lafayette, CO — Congressman Joe Neguse, Assistant Minority Leader of the U.S. House, cheered the announcement of a $96 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the Upper Thompson Sanitation District in Estes Park. The Upper Thompson Sanitation District (UTSD) has been providing water treatment services to the Town of Estes Park and surrounding areas and working to improve the water quality of the Big Thompson River since the mid-1970s. As water scarcity continues to impact communities across the West, this Federal support will enable UTSD to replace their aging infrastructure with a modern, state-of-the-art water reclamation facility. 

The UTSD plays a critical role in ensuring communities in the Estes Valley receive adequate water treatment. They are responsible for verifying the quality of water put back into the Big Thompson River meets and exceeds regulations set by the EPA and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). In 2020, the East Troublesome Fire impacted the North Fork of this river, introducing new levels of sedimentation, debris flow, and water contamination that has made proper watershed management increasingly important. 

“In Colorado, we know how important it is to preserve, protect, and strengthen our critical water resources, which is why I am thrilled to see such a monumental investment of federal resources making their way to one of our state’s most treasured mountain communities. Thanks to the EPA, the Upper Thompson Sanitation District will be able to achieve its goals of replacing their aging infrastructure to meet the needs of residents in Estes Park,” said Assistant Leader Neguse. 

“EPA’s WIFIA loans are helping small communities make infrastructure investments that will protect critical water resources while providing reliable water services for the Estes Park, Colorado community,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “By taking advantage of EPA’s WIFIA program, the Upper Thompson Sanitation District is prioritizing a safe and sustainable drinking water supply for its residents.”

As founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Colorado River Caucus, Assistant Leader Neguse is dedicated to addressing water scarcity and improving drought preparedness for communities across the West. He has successfully advanced legislation to improve water resilience through the House of Representatives and continues to help convene conversations with bipartisan lawmakers to advance solutions regarding critical issues plaguing the Colorado River and supporting the work of the Colorado River Basin states on how best to address the worsening levels of drought in the Colorado River Basin.  

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