Representatives of the Rikers Ridge Sewer (Rikers Ridge Sewer District) updated Jefferson County commissioners on Aug. 7 about a reduced-scope wastewater improvement project and preparations for an application for external funding.

Project overview: County staff said the original project estimate of approximately $4.5 million was scaled back to focus on the most urgent fixes, including acquisition of land for and construction of a new lift station. A county presenter described the new probable project cost as approximately $2,770,000 based on engineering estimates supplied by Midwestern Engineers and color-coded cost breakdowns included in the meeting packet.

Funding plan: The sewer board plans to apply for the maximum grant available in the current funding round—cited at $750,000—combined with a local match and, if needed, a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan to close any remaining funding gap. Staff said they are on track to submit an application in the current round, with the proposal deadline opening in September and a full application due in December. The presenter said, "we are applying for that maximum 750,000, and then combined with that local match, we're it'll leave a little bit of a funding gap," and that the board hopes to secure favorable SRF loan terms.

Rate impact and public outreach: A consultant's rate-study scenarios were discussed; the presenter said the most favorable scenario would still result in a substantial rate increase and quoted a figure of 29.7% as the "lowest most optimal rate." County and sewer board staff asked the commissioners for assistance with community outreach to demonstrate need and impact for the funding application; the board scheduled two public engagement sessions for Aug. 26 at the Rikers Ridge fire department (11 a.m.–noon and 5:30–6:30 p.m.). The presenter said the sewer district will use a flyer and a Facebook QR code to direct customers to project information and to collect comments and concerns.

Staff and commissioners discussed the timing for the funding round and the importance of showing public support and documented need to score well on the application. No formal vote or county funding commitment was made at the Aug. 7 meeting; commissioners were asked to help publicize the August outreach meetings.

Next steps: The sewer board will proceed with its application for grant and loan funding and hold public meetings on Aug. 26 as part of the outreach required for the application process.