County seeks letters of support for $4 million Alcova water and sewer replacement earmark

County staff told the board that engineers under contract (WWC) prepared design and construction drawings for a replacement potable water, sanitary sewer and stormwater system at Alcova trailer park, campgrounds and marinas. The engineer’s estimate for a full replacement project, including overlay of asphalt, is “just over $4,000,000,” staff said.

Staff said the existing system is 50 to 70 years old in places and is continually repaired; the plan presented to commissioners calls for abandoning the old system and installing a new system. Staff said the county’s restricted sewer fund is small — roughly $200,000 was mentioned — and cannot cover the estimated construction cost.

A congressional earmark opportunity arose and staff completed a DEQ application and provided the engineer’s estimate to the congressional office. Staff requested letters of support from end users of the system — including the Alcova Trailer Park association, Casper Boat Club, Alcova Marina and Casper Waterski Club — and asked the commission whether it would provide a letter of support to strengthen the earmark submission.

Commissioners discussed the likely scenario that an earmark award could be a fraction of the need. Commissioner Coates noted an example where a request for $4.4 million produced an award of $700,000; staff said that amount would not be sufficient to complete the full replacement and likely would force the county to decline the award rather than accept partial funding that cannot be practically phased in given tie‑in and seasonality constraints. Staff explained the existing subsurface utilities run under trailer pads and are difficult to access, and that phasing the work may not be acceptable to regulators.

Multiple commissioners said they were comfortable with a county letter of support. Commissioner Milne and others noted the letter would not commit the commission to funding, but would document local support while staff pursues funding options. Staff said letters from affected user groups were being collected and that a commission signature on a support letter would be provided to the congressional office.

Staff also noted that lot permits for the lake area are renewed every five years and that a new permit and rent escalator are expected to be issued May 1, 2026, which could affect lot rents and assessments if County funding were needed. No binding funding commitment or final award was recorded in the meeting; the transcript shows staff pursuing letters and preparing a response and materials for the congressional office.