Casper secures SRF loans to address sewer and water system upgrades

During the City Council pre-meeting on May 20, 2025, significant discussions centered around the State Revolving Fund (SRF) loans aimed at improving Casper's water and sewer infrastructure. The council reviewed three potential SRF projects, which are crucial for maintaining the city's essential services.

The SRF program, funded by the National Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), offers low-interest loans to municipalities for water and sewer projects. Historically, Casper has benefited from principal forgiveness, effectively reducing the loan amount by 25% upon project completion. However, recent changes in eligibility criteria mean that larger communities, like Casper, may no longer qualify for this financial relief. City officials expressed their commitment to advocating for principal forgiveness, particularly for sewer projects that serve smaller surrounding communities.

One of the key projects discussed was a $5.5 million initiative to line the interceptor sewer, which has faced issues such as corrosion and a recent sinkhole incident. The city plans to finance this project through a $2.8 million SRF loan, along with additional funding from state representatives and other sources. If approved, this loan could result in a modest increase of approximately 22 cents to the average resident's monthly sewer bill.

Another critical project involves upgrading the headworks facility at the wastewater treatment plant. This upgrade is necessary to ensure that wastewater can be effectively treated before being discharged into the North Platte River. The current infrastructure requires significant improvements to manage the flow of sewage properly.

As the city moves forward with these projects, officials emphasized the importance of maintaining safe and reliable water and sewer services for Casper residents. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges of securing funding while addressing the community's infrastructure needs. The council's proactive approach aims to ensure that Casper continues to meet the demands of its growing population while safeguarding public health and the environment.