PROJECT INFORMATION:
The population of Evansville is approximately 1,600 residents. There are
80 active commercial taps and 681 active residential taps served by the
system.
In 1994 and 1995, the town requested a Level III loan and grant funding
in the amount of approximately $900,000 for replacement of the Elkhorn
Creek raw water transmission main, and construction of an infiltration
gallery, disinfection and monitoring facility. The Elkhorn right is a
territorial right (1884) with a firm yield of approximately 200 gpm
(0.40 cfs). The right can supply the present average day, winter time
demand of Evansville. The feasibility of undertaking this project was
investigated as part of the Level II Natrona County Regional Water Plan
study.
The Town of Evansville has decided not to participate in the Natrona
Regional Water System. The cost of the piping to connect Evansville to
the Natrona County Regional System is approximately $202,000 compared to
this project cost of $900,000. Therefore, in 1994 and 1995, the WWDC
recommended that the request for loan and grant funding for the Elkhorn
Creek Water Supply Project be denied. However, during its January, 1996
meeting, the Legislative Select Water Committee voted to recommend funding
the project as a phased 100% loan. The Select Water Committee recommended
that the project be incorporated into the Rehabilitation Program at Level
III status with an appropriation of $50,000. The financing plan includes
a 100% loan with an interest rate of 7 1/4% and a term of 20 years. The
initial appropriation is being used to obtain EPA clearance for the project.
If the clearance is obtained, an additional loan request of $850,000 will
be expected to complete the project.
Design of a modified infiltration gallery is nearing 90% complete, and
construction is anticipated to begin in the spring of 1999. This will be
used to perform microscopic particle analysis and determine the necessary
treatment processes to be used prior to incorporation into the town's system.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
No legislative action is required.
