30-year rate study and capital improvement plan to fund critical infrastructure upgrades
Challenges & highlights
Our rate study evaluated upcoming nutrient regulations in Colorado, the condition of aging infrastructure, and the current status of the district’s wastewater treatment plant. As much of the infrastructure was installed in the 70s, it was reaching the end of its useful life.
A central component of the rate study was the development of a Capital Improvement Plan, which identified the district’s most pressing and costly upcoming projects. To ensure the district has funds, we assigned costs to present and future needs, allowing the team to back-calculate the minimum rate increases required to fund these improvements across the customer base. This resulted in a comprehensive report summarizing all findings, priorities, and cost projections.
The results
The rate study provided a clear roadmap of its most critical infrastructure needs, focusing on key projects including the solids handling facility upgrade and the sewer replacement crossing the Fryingpan River.
Beyond internal planning, the completed rate study and capital improvement plan have strengthened the district’s position when pursuing grant funding, as many programs require documentation of recent rate and capital planning efforts. Both of these help position the district to secure outside funding for upcoming capital projects.
Ultimately, our work ensures the district has the financial resources and planning framework to maintain and improve its wastewater treatment system. The work supports the protection of the Roaring Fork River and the preservation of the natural watershed that defines the Basalt community.
Elevation: 6,611 ft
Location: Basalt, CO
Build infrastructure that holds up
If your municipality is planning roadway improvements, utility expansions, or system upgrades, we are ready to support your team.
