For the town of Green Mountain Falls, the $85,000 check from USDA Rural Development signals the start of a centralized wastewater collection system.

The grant funds the preliminary engineering report to evaluate the feasibility of a centralized system.  For the study, the town hired GMS, Inc. to prepare the report.

Mayor Todd Dixon accepted the check during a ceremony April 12 on the bridge to the Gazebo, a town landmark. 

“Rural development was created to improve the quality of life and economic opportunity in rural America,” said Sallie Clark, director of USDA Rural Development Colorado.

Dixon credited town manager, Caleb Patterson, for writing the successful grant application. After hearing Clark’s presentation on the rural development programs at the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments, Dixon, who represents the town on the council, grabbed his phone and called Patterson.

The grant reflects the USDA’s investments and support for rural communities.

“Your undertaking is an important step in providing for public health, safeguarding the environment and ensuring sustainable infrastructure,” Clark said. “This grant will provide critical resources to complete the study to determine the most effective path toward a centralized wastewater treatment system.”

Clark, former El Paso County commissioner and Colorado Springs city councilor, highlighted the far-reaching effects of the grant.

“This project will continue to improve the water quality along Fountain Creek,” she said. “Without clean water and without a way to get your water, wastewater and storm water processed it can be difficult for these small mountain communities like Green Mountain Falls.”

While the agency works with local farmers, its primary purpose is helping communities thrive, Clark said.

“I look forward to seeing the completed report and the alternatives that will be identified,” she added.

In addition to Clark, El Paso County Commissioner Bill Wysong, who represents the town, attended, along with representatives from the offices of Sen. Michael Bennet and Congressman Jeff Crank.