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Board adds Denver interconnect to WIFIA loan, extends project initiation deadline
Summary
The board approved including a Denver Water emergency interconnect in its WIFIA loan package and secured an extension to the project initiation deadline to Dec. 30, 2029.
The Englewood Utilities Board voted to amend its Water Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan agreement to add a Denver Water emergency interconnect project and to extend the loan’s project-initiation deadline.
Significance: The interconnect will provide an emergency backup supply to the Allen Water Treatment Plant at two connection points, staff said. "We negotiated with the EPA to add this project to the WIFIA loan agreement," Sarah, Utilities staff, told the board, noting the city is about 95% through design and that Denver Water is reviewing the drawings.
Financial and schedule details: Staff estimated the interconnect project budget at about $3,000,000 and said WIFIA’s substantial-completion rules required projects to be initiated by Dec. 30, 2027 under the existing agreement. The amendment requests that timeline be extended so projects may be initiated through Dec. 30, 2029. Sarah said WIFIA and EPA officials indicated they are not currently concerned about federal funding availability and that draws submitted recently were processed.
Board discussion and outcome: Council member Russell and other members asked about federal funding risk. Sarah said the state and WIFIA have funds committed and that the city had recently submitted draw requests with no payment issues. After brief questions the board approved the amendment as written.
Next steps: Staff will finalize the WIFIA amendment with EPA and proceed with design review and procurement to deliver the Denver Water interconnect project.
