Firms Request Funding for Colonias Projects

Three local engineering firms are requesting funding for projects that will bring waterlines to several area colonias. If funds are received, residents should have water service next spring.

The Public Service Board selected Brown and Caldwell, Frank X. Spencer and Associates, and Parkhill, Smith & Cooper to plan and design water distribution systems for the colonias. The selection was based on technical competence, project approach, and project management and project control capabilities.

Experience in dealing with funding agencies was also a consideration. The engineering firms will apply to the Texas Water Development Board and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development for funds. The funds will be used for planning, design and construction.

Brown and Caldwell was selected for the Mayfair-NuWay Water Distribution System project. This $2.3 million project will extend service to residents of the Mayfair-NuWay Township in the Canutillo area of El Paso County.

Frank X. Spencer & Associates was awarded the $1.6 million Schumann Estates/Ponderosa Water Distribution System project. Residents are currently served by private water systems. These systems will be dissolved after the project is completed, and El Paso Water Utilities will provide either wholesale or retail service.

Parkhill, Smith & Cooper was awarded two projects, the Canutillo Area project and the Turf Estates/East Montana project. It will cost $3.3 million to complete both projects.

“We’re working with Vinton and any others that we can provide service to,” said President and CEO Ed Archuleta. “The Texas Water Development Board now has money and USDA has had money. It’s just that they don’t have 100 percent grants.

“The County passed $3 million in bond issues,” he added, “and Congressman Reyes, Sal Payan, Border Interfaith and EPISO have been helpful as partners with us to get all this done.”